Princeton Friends of Opera presents “An American Songbook: Operetta and Popular Songs” at the home of Sam Greco in West Windsor on Saturday, September 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. The third annual garden party hosted by Greco includes music, appetizers, wine, beverages, and Italian cheeses. Greco grows 17 varieties of figs in his garden and will share them all with those in attendance. The raindate is Sunday, September 9.
Greco is a patron of the arts. In the past year he has donated more than $45,000 to organizations including Opera New Jersey, Westminster CoOPERAtive program, and Bravura Philharmonic Orchestra. Greco has set up several scholarships and endowment funds for young people to continue to pursue careers in classical music.
“I’m at a point in my life to encourage all young children to learn about classical music and opera,” he says. “I hardly ever see anyone under the age of 50 at these events.”
Born in Italy, Greco was raised in New York City by his parents, both Russian immigrants. His father served in the American Army during World War I and became an American citizen. “When you have poverty you strive to achieve,” he says. “I went from illiterate parents to a college degree.”
Greco worked his way through college. “The tuition was $800 a year and the GI bill only paid for the first two years,” he says. He graduated from MIT with a degree in chemical engineering in 1951. Greco worked for Exxon Mobil until 1995 and has 14 patents to his name.
“I was raised with wonderful music — only classical,” he says. “We were also the dance generation.” Greco still enjoys the peabody and jitterbug.
Greco and his late wife, Jeanette Rankell, moved to West Windsor in 1971 and were one of the first families to move into Princeton Ivy development (behind High School South).
Their four children, three daughters and one son, were raised in West Windsor. His son John graduated from Princeton High School and is a chemical engineer. His daughters all graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School. Susie Dicker lives in West Windsor, Vicki Lipinsky lives in Hillsborough, and Laura Milo lives in Robbinsville. They, and their children, continue the musical legacy with music from flute, violin, and cello.
Greco and Rankell shared a love of art and music. She was a pianist and her parents were opera singers. There are three pianos in the house including a baby grand and a studio grand. Greco recently acquired an electric piano — and it will be much easier for the performers at the gala. A widower for 11 years, he enjoys living in the home decorated with murals his late wife created through the years.
Princeton Friends of Opera provides scholarships for summer camp for young singers, scholarships for opera training, and supports new opera development and area opera performances. The organization supports organizations including Opera New Jersey, Princeton Festival, Westminster Choir College, and Trenton Children’s Chorus.
Garden Party, Princeton Friends of Opera, Private home in West Windsor. Saturday, September 8, 4 p.m. “An American Songbook: Operetta and Popular Songs” includes Italian cheeses, appetizers, wine, and figs. Register. $60. 609-610-6896. www.princetonfriendsofopera.org.
