Obituary of John E. Greeley

John E. Greeley, 76 of Tully, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, in his sleep on April 18, 2024.  A class of ‘66 graduate of Nottingham High School, he then attended NYS College of Forestry and earned a degree in Biochemistry.  He married Margo Merluzzi on September 20, 1969 and together they lovingly raised four children in a beautiful house they built themselves on Oak Hill above Otisco Lake.  He co-founded Emerald Electrical Contractors in 1992 and was a proud and active member of the IBEW Local 43 for over 50 years.

He retired from Emerald Electric in 2011.  Early in his retirement he meticulously restored a 1915 Model-T Ford (while remaining a devout Chevy fan, especially trucks), and he and Margo went on several touring adventures with fellow antique car enthusiasts.  He shared freely his passion for fixing and improving things with his skilled and caring hands, assisting friends and family with homes, automobiles, families and lives.  Generous ‘to a fault’ with his time and abilities – he was capable of remarkable patience and kindness.  He was a fierce defender of what he held dear and a champion for the underdog, always.

John was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Adele; his brother, William Greeley, and his 1st born grandchild Brett Acheson.  He is survived by his beloved wife Margo, his 4 children, Jennifer (Mike Acheson) Greeley, John Greeley, Aimee (Meaghan) Greeley, Nora Greeley; sister, Lynne (Don) Howe and 10 grandchildren: Abigail Acheson, Mitchell Collins, Bridget Acheson, Molly Greeley, Katrina Acheson, Kelly Greeley, Michael Acheson, Erin Hickey, Margo Greeley and George Greeley.

A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend, we are grateful for – and celebrate – the legacy of his life.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 4-6 PM at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, LaFayette, NY.  Services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s name to support the wonderful volunteers at Tully Fire and Ambulance, 1 Railroad Street, Tully, NY 13159. 

To share an anecdote, memory or story with the family, please visit www.ballweg-lunsford.com