Obituary of Judith K. Greco

Judith Keenan Greco daughter of John and Catherine (Devlin) Keenan Passed away at home on January 12, 2017 after a valiant battle with cancer. A long time New Britain resident, Judy was born in Norwich, grew up in East Hartford and spent her entire educational career working with and on behalf of New Britain’s children. Judy earned her Bachelors, Masters and Sixth Year degrees between 1963-1979. She was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society at CCSC. Judy began her teaching career at Smalley Elementary School in 1962 as a teacher in training and was subsequently hired as a first grade teacher. Judy went on to become a guidance counselor serving the students of Roosevelt Junior High and Pulaski High Schools. In 1981 Judy became the first female Housemaster and a Senior Guidance Counselor at New Britain High School. In 1989 after a long and distinguished career in the public school system, Judy became the first lay Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Judy was involved in many community organizations and was a ceiling breaker for younger women. Some of those accomplishments include becoming the first female President of the Kiwanis club; the first female President of the Boys’ and Girls’ club and member of their Tomasso scholarship committee; Co-Chair of Connecticut Race for the Cure; Co-Chair Alliance for Youth; Board of Directors Sheldon Guidance Clinic; Board of Directors Young Parents Club; YWCA Women in Leadership; Corporator of CCARC; Recipient of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. Judy met her husband, Marcel “Marty” Greco at Roosevelt Junior High School where they both worked as guidance counselors. They were respectfully referred to as the dynamic duo and together touched the lives of many generations. Judy retired from education in 1995. In 2009, she was elected to the New Britain Board of Education for two terms. So beloved and respected within the community, Judy was endorsed by both local political town committees. She spent the last 55 years of her adult life working to achieve greater access and opportunities for New Britain’s children. Judy was a proud Irish Lassie who enjoyed sharing her cultural heritage along with her humor and sharp wit. She will be missed dearly by all who loved and knew her. Judy was predeceased by her husband and stepson. She is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Helen Cieslowski and her husband Tom of New Britain; her beloved niece and nephew and their families Kate Cieslowski Stockey and her husband Brian of Chicago and Michael Cieslowski and his wife Becky of Chicago along with the lights of her life great nieces and nephew Cecilia and Ryan Stockey and Ella Cieslowski. Her brother Brian Keenan and his family from Manchester; Step-Grandson Danny Greco of New Britain. Judy’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the love and support given during this difficult journey - especially to our extended family Sharon Beloin-Saavedra, Danny Cassolino, Jackie Escales, Dr. Christina Czyrko, and Christine Campbel. A sincere thank to the many friends who visited and offered gestures of comfort including her hospice nurse, Michelle Santopietro. Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2017) at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church 544 Main St. New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain. In remembrance of her devotion to children and their education, donations may be made to the Judith K. Greco Scholarship Fund and mailed to: NBHS 110 Mill Street New Britain 06051. Donations can also be made to the family of Judy Greco c/o Helen Cieslowski 126 Lincoln St