Joe Greco (1963-2004)Joe Greco passed away suddenly last week while on vacation in Hawaii. I realize many of you didn't know him, but despite only knowing him for a few short years, Joe was one of my all-time favorite people.
Joe was a freelance writer in the CAD industry, and was arguably the best known reviewer of MCAD products out there. From a user's standpoint, Joe was one of the foremost authorities on the subtle differences between just about every major solids modeler on the market today.
Over the past few days, several people have written about their fond memories of Joe. For me, the memory that best exemplifies Joe was from the first time I met him -- at COFES 2001 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For many different reasons, I was really looking forward to that trip. But one one of my big goals for it was to try to finally get to see Taliesin West, the western home and Architecture School founded by Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect that inspired me to take the read that led me to design and CAD in the first place. For me it would be a nice caveat to the whole COFES experience.
The first night of COFES is traditionally the poolside mixer. While everyone casually mingled, I noticed a small group huddled together around a smiling face that was new to me. It was Joe Greco. As a longtime reader of Joe's, I went over to introduce myself. After exchanging pleasantries, the first thing he brought up was that my partner Brad had told him I was interested in seeing Taliesin West. I pointed out that I planned to possibly stay a couple extra days and rent a car. He floored me by saying that both he and his wife were members of Taliesin, and offered to take me there himself. Umm, did I mention that this was the first time I'd met him?! We really barely knew each other, and he basically offered me a day of his time. He then went on to say that if I didn't make it to Taliesin during the trip, that if I ever made it down again, he'd put me up if necessary. Incredible. But that's the way Joe was with everyone, generous and selfless.
Each of the industry events I've attended since then include many fond memories with Joe. Whether it was wearing silly paper hats at ***'s Last Resort, or attending a Diamondbacks game, Joe's ever-smiling face will always accompany those memories. CAD events just won't be the same anymore without Joe.
I'll miss ya Joe. Say hi to my dad for me.
More memories of Joe...