Sgt. Philip Joseph Greco, 72 of Independence, MO passed away December 31, 2020. Visitation will be 10:30-11:00 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021 at the American Legion 16701 E. US 40 Hwy Independence, MO 64055. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2021 at Leavenworth National Cemetery; Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund online at: https://www.members.legion.org/tal/donatenow#legion-org.
Phil Greco was born in Newton, Massachusetts on December 11, 1948. He was the son of Philip & Camilla Greco. He married Kathryn Stine on December 23, 2005.
When he was 16, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed initial training. He served for four years which included three tours in Vietnam. While fighting in Vietnam, Phil’s heroic actions led to him being awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. Phil mustered out of the Army in 1970 at Fort Riley, Kansas.
After his military service, he became an officer with the Kansas City Police Department where he worked for four years before being hired as a Federal Police Officer. His 23 years as an FPO saw him deployed to hurricane relief areas, national political conventions and aiding in the investigation of federal crimes.
For all his military and professional accomplishments, it was Phil’s friendliness and big heart that will be remembered by those who knew him. Phil was always willing to do anything for anyone and never asked for anything in return. He dedicated himself to his community, leading Patriot Guard escorts for his fellow warriors who passed before him. He also organized and participated in bike runs to the Missouri Veteran’s Homes to drop off donated items. But his proudest moment came when he was elected American Legion Tirey J. Ford Post 21 Commander in 2014, serving for two years.
Along with his numerous activities, Phil was a huge Boston Red Sox fan, loved to cook and loved people. A popular saying around the house was that there was no such thing as a stranger, just friends Phil hadn’t met yet. He will be missed greatly.
Philip was preceded in death by his parents: Philip & Camilla Greco; sisters: Sister Phyllis Greco, Roberta Irvyk and Pearl Wood.
Philip is survived by his wife Kathy Murdick of the home; stepchildren: Michael Murdick (Jennifer) of Independence, MO, David Murdick (Valerie) of Blue Springs, MO, Kendra Winters (Jason) of Yorktown, VA, Philip Murdick (Brittany) of Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren: Devon, Justin, Brady, Mason, Genevieve, Melody, Jackson, Bryce, Caleb, Penelope, Dylan; 1 great-grandchild: Emberly; brothers: Clint Reno, Robert Reno, William Reno and Gary Reno
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600
Susie Moore
8 Jan 2021Friday Jan. 8, 2021
I had breakfast with Phil this morning, in memoriam anyway. As I drove to the doughnut shop I sang “House of the Rising Sun,” but with not quite as much gusto as I remembered Phil pouring into his spontaneous renditions. The 28″ waisted young soldier who married my baby sister Barbara Jean soon became a fun-loving uncle to my three children and later their children. He offered motorcycle rides, treasure hunts for cousins, tall tales about fishing while helping a little boy “catch” his first fish, teaching a little girl to cast a line off the back of a boat, mushroom hunting with another, coolers-full of boiled shrimp to share… and always doughnuts for breakfast. He knew how to celebrate having fun with his new-found family. Even after divorce, he remained an “adopted” member of the Moore and Robohn families. We were fascinated by Phil’s Civil War re-enactment stories, the character he played and his movie star horse. At times he could be an irritating rascal, like convincing my sister to cash in a bus ticket to buy a helmet so she could ride350 miles home on his motorcycle (an adventure my mother blamed on me!), but he always had a generous heart. He was one of a kind. He was one of the good guys. He was loved by many. He will be missed. He will be remembered. Rest in peace, Phil.
James P Gregg
30 May 2022It’s been a year and five months now and I still can’t get over his passing, it just doesn’t seem possible. We had so many good times together, hunting, fishing, even working for the same two police departments, even shared living quarters twice, once up north by the airport, then in Independence. We both served in the Army as Infantrymen and two of the same units (at separate times) the 1st Infantry and 101st Airborne. He was extremely intelligent, fun and would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. The last time we were able to talk Phil asked, why does God takes such good people early sometimes, if correct a long time friend of his had recently passed and was at the same medical facility as him. The talk started out heart wrenching for Phil, yet turned out to be a very good experience for the both of us. From that conversation I know Phil is at peace and experiencing a joy one can only find in Heaven with God Almighty. My heart still hurts and I even shed tears, yet inside I’m so, so happy for Phil. On the military side, many serve yet few are actually heros, Phil actually was a decorated Hero and like most he never bragged about his bravery. I miss my Brother In Arms, Brother In Law Enforcement and Brother In Christ and I miss my friend.