Obituary of Charles Greeley

Obituary of Charles Greeley
In loving memory of Charles (Charlie) Greeley, who died on Sunday, November 26, at the age of 95.

He is survived by his children, David (Salamatou) and Tamara, as well as his long-time partner, Norma Frank.  Charlie is also remembered with love by his grandchildren -- Svetlana, Ethan and Seth.  He was predeceased by his wife, Tirzah, mother of David and Tammy.  Charlie has a large extended family across many continents.

A funeral service will be held at Larchmont Temple (75 Larchmont Avenue) in Westchester County, New York on Wednesday, November 29, at 1:00 p.m.  The service may be viewed via livestream here https://larchmonttemple.org/livestream/.  Interment will take place immediately following the service at Sharon Gardens (Kensico) Cemetery (273 Lakeview Avenue, Valhalla). A procession will go from the temple to the cemetery.

The family will observe Shiva upon returning from the cemetery and on Thursday, November 30, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Charlie's home (511 East 20th Street, #6C, New York, NY), with a service beginning at 6:15 on Wednesday.  Please buzz 150 for access.  If you experience difficulties, call (212) 982-9922.

With Charlie in mind, donations in his memory may be made to a Jewish cause, or to an organization of your choosing. Condolences to the family may be sent to Tamara Greeley, 626 East 20th Street, #2A, New York, NY 10009.

May Charlie's memory ever be for blessing.

Charles Greeley was born in Vienna, Austria in 1928. In 1936, he, his older brother, and his parents fled Nazi Europe. They arrived in NYC in 1940 via France and England. Thus started Charlie’s life in the U.S.

Charlie met his wife-to-be Tirzah Greeley who lived on the floor above him in an apartment on Riverside Drive. Lore has it that he serenaded Tirzah when they met in the elevator and through the floors when he played classical piano.

Charlie went to the Bronx HS of Science and on to college and graduate school after which, he started working as an actuary at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where he had a long career, retiring at the age of 59.

He and Tirzah married in 1952 and had two children, after which they moved to New Rochelle and later to Larchmont. They spent lots of time with extended family and friends, with memorable times in Cape Cod over the summers. Over time, Charlie enjoyed watching his family grow with David marrying Sali and with the arrival of his three grandchildren: Svetlana, Ethan, and Seth; he was very proud of the young adults they had become. He also stayed connected with and showed great interest in all his extended family as well asfriends.

Charlie and Tirzah enjoyed traveling locally and internationally with many slides to prove it! And who could forget their hosting delicious gourmet meals, holidays, and gatherings. Charlie was involved in many activities at Larchmont Temple including as Treasurer and Brotherhood President.

Charlie loved and enjoyed many classical art forms (visual art, theater, classical music). And we all know his passion for board games, doing puzzles and most of all playing bridge which he played until the very end. He became a Bridge Life Master at a very young age and was sought after by many people who wanted to play bridge with him or asked him to teach them how to play.

A few years after Tirzah’s passing, Charlie had the good fortune of meeting Norma. They spent 24 wonderful years together enjoying travel, family, and regular walks to keep young. Charlie and Norma spent many winters in Florida, travelling the world, and keeping very active.