Leo Greco dead at 89

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Marconi Award-winning radio host Leo Greco has died at age 89. His Sunday variety show on WMT-AM Cedar Rapids, IA dated back to 1973 and it was only last year that he was honored at the Radio Show as Small Market Personality of the Year.


Greco’s official radio career actually began in 1971, when he joined the sales team at WMT. Two years later he began the on-air show. He retired from sales in 1988, but continued with the Sunday “Variety Time” show.

Prior to his hiring at WMT Greco had appeared on numerous Midwestern radio and TV stations with his band. He played the accordion. 

“Leo connects with WMT listeners and communities in so many ways,” WMT Program Director Randy Lee told RBR-TVBR when Greco was nominated for the Marconi. “He tirelessly donates his time to several nonprofit agencies across Eastern Iowa. Twice a year Leo broadcasts his show live from fundraiser breakfasts at Camp Courageous, a recreational facility for individuals with disabilities.  Two to three thousand people consistently attend each breakfast event. Leo solicits millions of pop can tabs from his listeners to pass along to the Shriners’ Hospital for Children to redeem for money. As a veteran of World War II, Leo is a strong supporter of all veterans, as well as those currently serving in the military. In the past year he joined local veterans on an Honor Flight to the World War II memorial to Washington DC.  Leo also fills his program with announcements for church suppers and other community fundraisers.” 

Greco himself was a World War II Navy veteran.