Joe Greco Reflects on a Lifetime of Achievements

By Mia Freneaux
    Joe Greco has officially “retired,” though meeting the lively conversationalist and seeing the twinkle of humor in his eye would make one question it!  He has had a long and fascinating life, meeting many interesting people and accomplishing more than many of us ever dream of.  
    58 years ago, Joe, who trained as a pharmacist, and his college sweetheart Joan opened a ground breaking business.  At first it was a Pharmacy which sold limited vet supplies for livestock. It soon after became Greco Pet Supplies. Greco’s Pet Supply Store was the first to sell veterinary medication.  In an era when one can receive such items via the internet, it is hard to imagine a time when this was not possible.  The Grecos noted the need for such a store, and searched for two veterinary students to join them in the venture.  Dr. Craig Alberty took them up on the idea, and that started a partnership that would last for decades.  Dr. Alberty would write the prescriptions, and Joe would stock them, keeping inventory, paying the bills, and taking care of all the other particulars of the business.   It closed this year after 58 years in business, having survived competition, a change in the neighborhood, and even a tremendous fire.
    The success of the store enabled Joe to pursue another dream: public service.  He and Joan had moved to Central in 1977, and it was his dream to give something back to his city.  When he first approached Joan about running for office, she was reluctant since their 4 sons Perry, Kelly, Andy and Brian were still very young.  Once they were older, she enthusiastically supported his efforts.  Joe ran for Metro Council.  “A gentleman from Central took a liking to my dad and mentored him,” shared Joe’s son Andy, “My dad pioneered the technique of standing on a street corner and asking people for their votes.  People saw he was serious and wanted to serve.”
    Joe went on to serve 4 terms as councilman, representing Central under 3 different mayors: Tom Ed McHugh, Bobby Simpson, and Kip Holden.  He served as Mayor Pro-Temp during his last term.  “I learned a lot early on,” Joe remembers, “then later I ran a stern ship trying to get agendas passed.  I really enjoyed it.”
    Joe recalls his most challenging time was when Central was deciding about whether to become its own city.  Andy explained, “My dad had to walk a fine line concerning the incorporation of Central.  He wanted to remain neutral and let the voters decide what they wanted.  It gave the impression to some that he was against incorporation, but that was not the case.  He just felt strongly he should not influence the vote of the public in any way.”
    One of Joe’s achievements was working to convince Walmart to build in Central, giving it a much-needed tax base.  He worked hard to meet with the public to assuage their fears about lighting, drainage, and traffic.  He won them over after many meetings.
    Joe’s crowning achievement, and the one he is most proud of, came when the Central Thruway was finally completed.  The project had been tabled on and off over the years, but Joe was determined to get it for his city.  He remembered Mayor Holden calling him in his office to ask for help with a matter.  Joe responded that he needed help with a project as well, and mentioned the Thruway.  Mayor Holden put it on the tax ballot, and they were able to get matching funds.  “I was ecstatic when that tax passed,” Joe shared enthusiastically.  James Kelly at the DPW was a friend of Joe’s, and they would go out together to inspect the progress of the work.  “I got such a thrill seeing each phase of the progress!”   3 years after being term-limited out of office, Joe got to stand on the thruway as the ribbon for the dedication was cut.  A guest of Mayor Watts and Mayor Holden, Joe was honored at the ceremony. A bridge on the thruway is named in memory of Joan, who died of cancer in 2007 after 52 years of marriage.  He was the first to cross that bridge.  “I was just destined to do it,” Joe explains, “You have to take up for your people that elected you.”
    Joe is relaxing now, “letting others take over.” His latest honor – he was chosen to be King of the St. James Place Mardi Gras.  Mayor Holden was in attendance, so he got to spend some time reminiscing.  Looking back on his life, Joe says, “I enjoyed what I did.  Sometimes it got a little rough, but you stick with it.  I enjoyed so much serving the community for 50 plus years and doing what I could to help the people and their pets.  I want to thank the Central community for all of their support throughout those years.  I’ve had a blessed life.”