Charles F. Greco

Charles F. Greco, 88, of Murrells Inlet, SC, formerly of Fairmont and Weirton, WV husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and esteemed member of the funeral service community, passed away on Saturday August 12, 2023, in Murrells Inlet, SC. His first wife, Patty will no doubt greet him with class and dignity, with the words, I could have told you…

Charles was born in Fairmont, WV, on December 19, 1934, one of two children born to Anthony “Tony” and Martha “Virgina: DiCea Greco.
Charles graduated from East Fairmont High School in 1952. He had a passion for the Weirton community, and his journey in life was filled with kindness, success, and a profound commitment to helping others in their times of need. He would always say “Throw away your watch and take care of the people.”

In his early years, Charlie hitchhiked to Weirton, WV, at the encouragement of Dr. Ray, Victor, Johnny and Joe Greco. There, he started his career at Hertnick’s Funeral Home driving the ambulance and service car, in the Summer of 53. It was at Hertnick’s Funeral Home that he met Joan Patricia “Patty” Hertnick, whom he married on August 25, 1956. Together, they raised two daughters and a son and were blessed with two grandsons, three granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter.

Driven by a desire to serve, Charles pursued higher education, graduating from West Virginia University and continuing on as a graduate of the Class of 1958 Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Alongside his devoted wife Patty, they became the owners and operators of the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home for over 40 years. Under their care and guidance, the funeral home has become an institution in the community, standing for over a century in Downtown Weirton. Their legacy continues through their son, John, who now owns and operates the funeral home and crematory.

In addition to his work in Weirton, Charles owned the Bavington Inn in Bavington, PA. He also expanded his contributions to the funeral service profession, acquiring and managing the Lynch Stacy Greco Funeral Home in Clarksburg, WV. His dedication to the funeral profession extended to his role on the West Virginia Board of Funeral Service Examiners, where he served for 17 years, even holding the position of President of the board. Charles was appointed to the board by 3 West Virginia Governors Moore, Rockefeller, and Caperton. He also achieved the prestigious distinction of being the first West Virginian to serve as President of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and the American Board of Funeral Service Education. His firm was invited to join the National Selected Morticians in 1971. The funeral home has been honored with this distinction for over 50 years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie will be remembered for his generosity, warm smile, and easygoing spirit. He cherished the company of his friends, sharing countless meals and conversations with them. Whether it was going to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, he treasured every moment of camaraderie with friends like George Huxie – Sarge Mergen, Jimmy Zerkle, John T. Grossi, Bill Marino, Tom Sessi, Chas Marino, Romie Castelli, Don Gianni, Andy DiFonzo, Ed Klee, Emmanuel Starvaggi, Jeff Jezierski, Morris Chijner, Lenny Shaw, Chappy Ballato, Al Lauttamus, Nick Hawley, and Richard Wilburn, just to name a few.

Charlie’s life was one of dedication to his friends, and the communities he served. He was always concerned about the funeral home. His daily calls to his son John would always start out with “You busy” and end with “I love you all.” His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of compassion, service, and camaraderie will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Mary Zick (Jeff) and Michelle Gallaway (Walt), and his son John Charles (Susan) Greco. He also leaves behind his grandchildren W. Michael (Michelle) Bettinazzi, Elle M. and Eliza P. Greco, Jeffry, and Katerina Zick, and his great-granddaughter, Olivia; his sister, Anna Marie Durham; his spouse of the last 15 years Faye Powers and their beloved dog Franklin; his nieces, nephews many cousins.

Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday and 3 – 7 PM Thursday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV

His funeral will be held at 10 AM Friday at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Weirton.

He will be laid to rest with his family at Saint Paul’s Cemetery.

His children and grandchildren thank Debi McKenzie, Myrlee Powers and Richard Wilburn for all the love and care they gave to our father and grandfather during his time in South Carolina and with his recent illness.

In memory of Charlie, please go out and enjoy camaraderie with your friends, buy them breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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