Harold "Hank" Greer

Harold “Hank” Greer died peacefully on November 10th in his home in Fairfield, CT, surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old.

On March 25th, 1934, Hank tumbled into the world - literally - born in the back of a taxi cab, on the way to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. The fourth child and third son to John Edwin “Eddie” Greer and Elsie Annie Greer, Hank had three older siblings - Dick, Nancy, and Jerry - and a younger brother, Roger. Named for his uncle the Rev. Harold Dilger, a Catholic priest, Hank was initially convinced he would follow the same path and join the seminary after high school. An altar boy in his childhood, that idea was quickly abandoned in middle school once he discovered girls.

Hank attended Fordham University in the Bronx and sang in the Glee Club (now called the Fordham Ramblers). He was a newscaster on his college radio station and joined the ROTC. Following his graduation in 1955, Hank was officially commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Air Force, and enjoyed several years of flying servicemen and their families to destinations in Europe, and having quite a ball exploring new cities. He retired after 3 years as a Captain, having spent much of his career serving as a navigator and an instructor.

Hank soon started his post-military career working for AMF Bowling where he handled publicity assignments, such as the opening of Celebrity Lanes in Denver, CO where Walt Disney, Jack Benny, Spike Jones and John Payne were on hand to promote it. But opportunity came knocking, and Hank was offered a chance to work at RCA Records. Being in such close proximity to the music business was a delight, and he had the chance to work with a number of artists including Ann Margret, Hank Snow, Perry Como, Sam Cooke and more.

After his time at RCA, Hank worked at Grey Advertising for 16 years, managing accounts for several prestigious brands including Canon Camera, General Electric, Sentry Insurance, Acme Boots, and more. He was especially proud of the entertainment specials Grey produced for Sentry Insurance that featured stars such as Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Ray Charles and Gene Kelly to name a few. Working with Sammy Davis Jr. and Johnny Cash on campaigns were two highlights of this era of his career. After Grey Advertising, Hank joined the team at William Esty where he was instrumental in winning back the Minolta business. He retired from Saatchi & Saatchi in 1995 as Executive Vice President.

A voracious reader and avid writer, Hank penned many a poem, song and story, often inspired by moments in his own life. He collaborated frequently with his good friend Peary Spaght at Southport Congregational Church on original music compositions, and found a spiritual home that supported him for the rest of his life. Hank volunteered with local youth organizations supporting music education and, post retirement, worked as Marketing Director for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Always a lover of the stage, Hank also acted in local theater productions throughout his early and later years.

A proud longtime New Yorker and Mets fan, Hank moved to Connecticut in 1995 and spent his remaining years there, except for a stint living in St. Louis, Missouri where he took great joy volunteering for the Barnes Jewish Children’s Hospital and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

A gentleman and a gentle man, Hank will be profoundly missed by all those who loved him. Hank leaves behind many friends and his family; his devoted wife of 45 years, Sherry Greer, his children April Greer, Peter Greer (Danielle Konotop), Barbara Hopkins (Larry Hopkins), and Katie Greer (Scott Jackson); his grandchildren Tim Greer (Ludmyla Almeida Greer), Emily Borisenok (Mike Borisenok), Rachel Shanagher (Jack Shanagher), and Alex Hopkins (Kit McDonough); and his great-grandchildren Miles Borisenok, Beau Borisenok, and JJ Shanagher.

His memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22nd, at 11 am, at Southport Congregational Church (524 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT 06890).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Southport Congregational Church Ministry of Music Fund (PO BOX 366, Southport CT, 06890 or online at southportucc.org) or to the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestra Martha Hisey Private Lessons Fund (PO Box 645, Fairfield, CT 06824). Knowing Hank, he would also be happy if you sat down and listened to your favorite tune, and sang along at the top of your lungs.