Steve Greco, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away on January 24, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer.

Born in Lompoc, California, on September 21, 1957, to Tommy and Jessie Greco, Steve was deeply rooted in the community he loved. Alongside his father and brother Tommy, he helped build the family home—a place that became legendary for open doors, card games, laughter, and shared meals. If you showed up hungry or looking for company, you were never turned away.

Steve was an accomplished athlete at Lompoc High School, where he played football and wrestled and threw shot put and discus for track and field. He not only was a lineman he also was a record holding kicker. His passion for sports carried into coaching his Sons in youth sports and followed them to Lompoc High School as a coach for both wrestling and football. He mentored and developed many, the most important of them all were his Sons.

A true vaquero at heart, he was an amazing horseman, with a soft rope and corral prouse. Steve worked for Bobby Campbell and was a hired cowboy at Cojo-Jalama Ranch. Steve furthered his education by Graduating the ROP Meat Processing Certification course under the mentorship of the legendary Jim English. Upon graduation and certification he began Greco’s Butchering, processing animals in the tri counties area, servicing ranches and the county fairs. He perfected smoked meats and sausage making. As business grew, so did Steve’s ambition which resulted in Greco’s Butcher Shop & Deli, a reflection of his hardworking spirit and love of feeding people. After closing Greco’s Steve continued his passion for harvesting and processing meats keeping the “Gut Bucket” very busy. He later worked for Borderline Fence and Cook Erectors and retired from Santa Maria Electric in 2024, always bringing a strong work ethic and pride to everything he did.

Steve’s greatest accomplishments are his Sons, Clayton and Zachary. They were his side kicks at every moment of his life. He would strap them into his single cab ‘75 Ford pick up and make the rounds. He passed them his love of the outdoors and they put in many miles deer and pig hunting and many memorable fishing trips. They were side by side with their Dad in the custom butchering business and the butcher shop and deli. They both are a cookie cutter of their Father and are proud to be his Sons.

Steve deeply enjoyed his many years as a member of the Vaqueros de Los Ranchos, where he was actively involved for 27 years, proudly served as director for 8 years and El Presidente for the 2025 ride. A lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and an avid golfer, he cherished the camaraderie and friendships these communities brought into his life. Steve found joy in the simple, meaningful things: Sunday golf at the club, long poker games with friends, barbecuing his famous tri-tip, chicken and homemade sausage for anyone who happened to be around, and laughing—his laugh was unmistakable, full, and contagious.

Above all else, Steve loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Laura Greco; his sons, Clayton and Zachary Greco (Lea); his stepdaughters, Brittany VanEtten (Nate), Ashlee Green (Brian), and Tiffany Siegel; and his cherished granddaughter, Nora VanEtten, lovingly known as his “Rosebud.” His love for them was steady, proud, and unconditional.

Steve is now reunited with his brother, his mother, and his father—those who welcomed him home and will forever hold him close.

Steve will be remembered for his generosity, his loyalty, his work ethic, and the way he made people feel welcome and at home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on February 7, 2026 at 4pm at the Lompoc Elks.