James La Greca, formerly of Garfield and Ringwood, NJ, 88, died peacefully in his sleep on April 12, 2024 at his home in Bradenton, FL.
Born in Garfield on August 31, 1935, Jim was a devoted husband of nearly 58 years to Mary Lou; a sarcastic but loving father to his three children; a fun-loving "Papa Jim" to his 4 grandchildren; a dedicated public school teacher for 35 years; and a passionate life-long Yankees fan even when they broke his heart and didn't deserve his love.
He graduated Garfield High School in the bottom half of his class, a fact of which he would often remind people. Ironically, he decided to become a teacher, and enrolled at William Paterson College (now University), earning both a BA and MA. He began teaching at West Brook Middle School in Paramus, NJ. It was there he met Mary Lou, a colleague, whom he asked to go on a date with to the NY World's Fair on Columbus Day 1965. She almost said no but decided to go anyway. Her instincts were right and with no time wasted, they married on June 26, 1966.
They made their home in Erskine Lakes in Ringwood, where they welcomed three perfect children in rapid succession, Jeff, Susan and Cindy. Jim was very involved in his children's lives, acting as sports coaches, Scout dad, and parent volunteer at numerous fundraisers and events. Along the way he moved from West Brook Middle School to teaching English at Paramus High School, his kids teasing him he had finally "graduated" eighth grade.
He was an avid camper and the family spent many summers traveling the country, no matter how much his children whined they were missing tv. He loved to cook, golf, and read every book he could get his hands on. He particularly loved historical fiction and once made his family spend years tracking down all the books in a series for him to read despite later revealing he hated the series! He just couldn't leave it unread.
After his retirement, he and Mary Lou moved to Florida where Jim volunteered with the Manatee County Democratic Party and maintained an active presence with the Sarasota Italian American Club. He also golfed with his friend, a fellow Paisan, weekly.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Kathleen of Bear, DE; his daughter Susan and son-in-law Ken Beck of Sarasota, FL; his daughter Cindy and son-in-law Sanjiv Sarwate of Austin, TX; and his grandchildren Elizabeth, Keegan, Abner and Josie. He is also survived by his relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret La Greca and his sister Marilyn Skiba.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in his name to the Manatee County Democratic Party, the ARC of Bergen County, or William Paterson University School of Education.
There will be no formal services, but Mary Lou welcomes you to stop by her Bradenton home Sunday April 14 or Monday April 15 anytime from 11-4.
