HUGO GRECO 1932-2014

Long-time medal-maker Hugo Greco, 81, died Sunday, March 30, 2014 in Danbury Connecticut. Greco was born in Italy, and came to America at age 17 with his family. Early in America he served as an entertainer in the traveling troupe of flamingo dancers under his cousin, famed dancer Jose Greco,

He joined Medallic Art Company October 1955, gaining experience in every aspect of medal manufacture but was particularly noted as foreman of the finishing department. Here he became expert in applying a variety of finishes to medals, including the different color patinas on such items as The Society of Medallists medals.

When Medallic Art changed ownership in 1972 he left the firm and established a branch manufacturing plant for Enduart, an awards firm in New York City. Eight years later he struck out on his own founding Greco Industries in Bethel, Connecticut, Here he produced the trophies for more than thirty sports for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He brought his two sons into the firm, training them in the techniques he had mastered previously. Success followed as he moved his plant twice to larger accommodations.

In 2007 his crowning achievement was moving Greco Industries into a modern new plant in Bethel, Connecticut. It was here he created one of the most famous medals in the world, the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal. The organization’s previous supplier was not up to maintaining the quality in honor of Andrew Carnegie. New models were prepared – by sculptor Luigi Badia – and new medals struck to their demanding standards.

His major numismatic achievement was a Patina Study organized by Donald Scarinci and Dick Johnson. In preparation for a book on The Society of Medallists, Scarinci asked him for information on the patina finishes of this series of medals.

In a room where all 129 Society of Medallists issues were laid out, and without hesitation Greco moved from one medal to the next, relating – off the top of his head! – the name of each patina and how it was created, revealing not only the chemicals used, but the techniques employed to produce the permanent patina finish to enhance the medal. This was an amazing mental feat but one that exemplified his command of the craftsmanship in the field of medallic arts, an example of his mastery as a medallic patinaeur.

Greco was active in several local organizations, the Italian Amerigo Vespucci Lodge (trustee), Bethel Fish and Game Club (president), Bethel Zoning Board of Appeals, and since 2001, he was this town's police commissioner. Widely popular in his area, more than a thousand attended his funeral services, April 2nd.

In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by his two sons, Ricky and Michael, two daughters, and twelve grandchildren.

To read the complete obituary, see: Hugo Greco (www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?n=hugo-greco&pid=170442925&fhid=12027)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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