The Untold Secrets of Joseph B. Greiner: What Made Him a Real Estate Legend? You'll Be Shocked!

Joseph B. Greiner, a prominent figure in the real estate industry, passed away at the age of 95 on November 12, 2025, in his home in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by family. Born on February 7, 1930, in New York City to Dr. Louis Greiner, an Austrian emigrant, and Dorothy Greiner, Joseph was the youngest of three children. He was also the older brother of two half-siblings.

Greiner's early life in Manhattan was marked by his attendance at Stuyvesant High School, where he developed a passion for chemistry and photography. He formed lasting friendships, notably with Dr. Siegfried Johannes “Ziggy” Kra and Dr. Stuart Wolfe. His academic journey led him to Syracuse University and then City College, where he transitioned to pre-med, reigniting his college career with a newfound obsession for the game of bridge.

After a brief stint in the insurance industry, Greiner found his true calling in industrial real estate. Partnering with his brother Bill, he helped establish Greiner-Maltz, before launching his own firm, the J.B. Greiner Company. This brokerage specialized in industrial and commercial real estate in Queens and Brooklyn, where he was a master negotiator known for his high ethical standards. Greiner's career spanned nearly 40 years, during which he forged partnerships with fellow brokers and developers, strategically investing in the dynamic real estate market of New York City. One of his most notable achievements was negotiating the deal for the Long Island City Citibank tower, a project that catalyzed a significant development boom in the area.

Following retirement, Greiner enjoyed an active life filled with personal passions, including tennis, cooking, and tech investments. He spent over 30 fulfilling years with his second wife, Sigrid Weschky Greiner, who predeceased him. Joe was known for his vibrant social life, often hosting gatherings that fostered connections among friends, many of whom became like family to him. His summers were spent in Remsenburg, where he created a family compound for his children and grandchildren, reinforcing the importance of family in his life.

Greiner is survived by his three children—Dawn (Glenn) Kasten, Jennifer (Jacob Ouillette) Greiner, and John (Mary) Greiner—as well as his grandchildren Julia, Liam, and Eleanor Greiner, Aidan Kasten, and step-grandchildren Stephanie and Aurora Kasten. He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Marilyn) Greiner, sister-in-law Inge Weschky, ex-wife Dorothy Greiner, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

In celebration of his life, two memorial services will be held: one in Remsenburg at the end of December and another in Jupiter in February. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in Greiner's memory to the Furry Friends Animal Shelter in Jupiter or to New York Junior Tennis and Learning in Long Island City.

Joseph B. Greiner’s legacy as a real estate pioneer and a beloved family man will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the meaningful relationships he built throughout his life.