Hanover's George "Greasy" Grissinger dies

George Grissinger, a longtime employee at Hanover Shoe Farms, died Thursday after a long and courageous fight against lung cancer. Known affectionately as “Greasy,” Grissinger was 66. He had worked continuously at Hanover since 1972.

 

Grissinger took care of Hanover’s number one string of trotting colts each year. His most illustrious alumnus was world champion Donato Hanover.

 

Perhaps even more important than taking care of Hanover’s top colt trotters, Greasy was the farm’s head night watchman and aided in foaling close to 400 foals each year. Behind his rough and tough exterior, he was a man who took great pride in what he did. He was never guided by the clock. When given a job, he would do it and do it right.

 

Aside from horses, Greasy’s greatest enjoyment was baseball, specifically the Baltimore Orioles and more specifically Cal Ripken Jr. He never missed an Oriole game, from spring training onward. One of his greatest wishes was fulfilled last spring when Jim Simpson, Hanover’s president flew him up to Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Grissinger treasured the photograph he had taken beside Cal Ripken’s plaque.

 

Funeral arrangements will be announced later. (Hanover Shoe Farms)