Paul Andrew Greco Esq., 53, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 15, 2023, following a courageous three-year battle with Glioblastoma.

Despite fighting this rare form of brain cancer, Paul's optimism, warrior spirit, and endless smile never waned.

He was born November 30, 1969, in New Jersey. In his early years, Paul attended the Hun School of Princeton, where he was a scholar and all-American lacrosse and soccer athlete. Friends and family remember him fondly during this time as having boundless energy, enthusiasm, optimism, warmth, and a zest for life. Paul spent every summer at his family's Maryland home on the Sassafras River. It was there he became accomplished at all things watersports, and his immense passion for the water began. His memories of days filled with friends on the river skiing (including barefoot), boating, sailing, windsurfing, and more recently, wake surfing were among his most cherished. Today, many of those childhood friends have children of their own who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Paul," and thought of him as the most fun and adventurous dad from the community.

Later, Paul attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, where he received a B.S., Political Science in 1992. He remained close to many of his college buddies, who also described Paul as a loyal friend who loved adventure, had a zest for life and worked hard and played hard. Immediately upon graduation, Paul moved to Chicago (following in his sister's footsteps) to attend Chicago-Kent College of Law where he received his J.D. in 1995. Paul's magnetic personality and infectious smile helped him easily make friends while he managed to balance the rigors of law school and exploring his new home. It was during his first year that he met his to-be wife Jennifer, while at a bar with friends in February 1993. They married in 1998 and settled down initially in Chicago and later in Wilmette and then moved to Winnetka, IL, in 2006.

Jennifer and Paul were a well-matched pair with a strong and loving marriage. Together they had two sons, Jack and Caden, and were proud to raise them with the morals and values infused in their own upbringings. One of Paul's greatest joys was being a dad. He was known as being involved, supportive, and engaged with all his sons' activities. One of his biggest pleasures was passing along his love of water sports and other athletic pursuits, as well as attending their games and regattas. Nothing made Paul prouder than his sons, Jack and Caden, and he expressed that often. He was also a loving and involved dog dad to their furry family members over the years.

Paul started his career as an attorney at Dimonte & Lizak (now called Robbins Dimonte) in 1997 where he was a shareholder, and his practice focused on commercial litigation and real estate development. He was known as a confident, highly-skilled attorney who was dedicated, hard-working, and determined. One client said Paul always knew what he was thinking, even before he said it, which led to meaningful, lasting friendships in and outside work. He also often provided counsel to family and friends and was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. It is impossible to sum up Paul's legacy in just a few words, but we hope all will embrace these learnings: Turn the routine into an adventure. Seize the day. Be friends with everyone, make the loneliest person in the room feel good. Work hard and play hard. And build up the endurance to do so! Sometimes a little trouble is good (Paul had a knack for finding it unintentionally!) Rest another day - when there's fun to be had, embrace it. Smile, it can change someone's day. (Paul had the most dazzling smile, too.)

Paul is survived by his devoted wife Jennifer Greco (nee Hayward), sons Jack and Caden, his mother and father-in-law Dr. Michael and Barbara Hayward, brother Dr. Mark Greco, sister Marcia Greco Kane. He's also survived by eight loving nieces and nephews and their children: Jenna Ciszon (Zach Ciszon), Jimmy Kane (Tory Kane, Brooks and Keegan Kane), Kathleen Kane, Tara Kane, Marissa Greco Lowrie (Michael Lowrie and Aubrey Lowrie), Dr. Chris Greco (Dr. Mary Dell Deweese Greco). He is predeceased by his parents Dr. Raymond Greco and Alice Greco, and his brother-in-law, Christopher Hayward. With Paul, we honor a life cut way too short, but one that was well lived, with a spirit of great adventure, and with courage through adversity. Paul did everything in life his way, and we loved him for that. S

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Pickles Group, a national nonprofit started locally that provides free peer-to-peer support and resources for young kids and teens impacted by their parent's cancer. It has been a great support to our family.