Leroy (Lee) Joseph Greene (80) of Taunton, passed peacefully at home under the comforting love and care of his wife Marilyn (Thomas) Greene and family members. In addition to Lee’s wife Marilyn, he leaves with profound love his brother, Joseph Greene and his wife, Kay, his sister, Sharon Greene and her husband, James Walsh. Brother in laws Anthony E. Thomas Jr., Frederick Thomas and his wife Susan and Michael Thomas and his wife Deborah. Lee also leaves several nieces and nephews that loved him very much. Lee was predeceased in life by his loving parents, his father, Joseph and mother, Josephine (Barnes) Greene.
Lee was born in Providence and was a lifel-long resident of Rhode Island, till he moved to Taunton in 1998, a few years after marrying his wife, Marilyn. Lee and Marilyn made weekly trips to RI where they enjoyed an assortment of scenic RI areas and many visits to family and friends throughout their marriage. Lee loved RI and its history, cultures, peoples and eateries, he so loved sharing it all with Marilyn.
Lee served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Era Veteran (1963-1967). He was extremely proud of his Air Force service. Lee continued his commitment to those who served in the military after his discharge. Lee had an outstanding career of service to military veterans, working as a Veterans Claims Examiner from the VA Regional Office, in Providence, RI, till his retirement in 2004. Shortly after retirement, Lee was asked by the Providence VA Regional Office to reenter the work force to open the Military Order of Purple Heart Office at the Providence VA Hospital (2006-2010). Lee worked in support of returning injured veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lee’s working career was dedicated to military veterans. Lee worked tirelessly on their behalf to ensure their benefits supported their needs, everlasting with compassion and empathy. Lee was much more than a Claims Examiner to many returning military veterans – he was their friend and guardian.
Lee and Marilyn enjoyed family and friend gatherings and hosted most all holiday events. Together, they hosted many family and friend dinner gatherings, parties and summertime cookouts. Lee and Marilyn were the ultimate host. Lee cherished family and friends.
Lee enjoyed traveling with Marilyn and together they visited Italy, Great Britain, the Caribbean Islands, and made countless trips to their favorite vacation destination of all Bermuda. They had many other special getaways throughout their long marriage. A most enjoyable pleasure for Lee upon Marilyn’s retirement, were the daily morning rides for coffee to meet their many friends at their favorite place, L’Artisan Café, in Waylan Square, Providence. Lee and Marilyn had many daily routines and traditions that always brought much pleasure to them both. He always took great pleasure in sharing those memories with family and friends.
Many who knew Lee also knew of his love for his cat Maggie who was at his side daily. The Compassionate Care Hospice staff soon learned that she would also be another comfort at guiding Lee on this journey. The family is grateful for his nurse, Theresa, CAN’s, Nicole and Isabel, and others for their kindness and support at this difficult time.
Marilyn holds comfort knowing that Lee entered heaven and was greeted by his parents, Joseph & Josephine as well as her mother, Mary and her dad, Anthony.
Lee was loved by many and will be missed tremendously.
All services to be held privately by the family. Arrangements are under the care of the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton.