Sgt. Philip Joseph Greco Obituary

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