John Greco loved his hometown. It would be fair to say he wore Geneva on his sleeve, according to those who knew him. He was born here, grew up here, was a star athlete at DeSales High School in the 1950s, served in the Marines, worked for the city and was in his 25th year as a City Council member when he died Thursday at age 81. No one has served longer on Council since the city adopted a charter form of government in 1964.

Greco was appointed to fill a vacancy as 6th Ward Councilor on Jan. 5, 1994. He ran for election to the seat in November 1994 and took office Jan. 1, 1995. He was elected to six more four-year terms, often without opposition.