Andrew R. Greene, 67, of Fairhaven passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, September 25, 2022. He was the loving husband of Nancy (Sherman) Greene, with whom he recently celebrated 40 years of marriage.
Born and mostly raised in New Bedford, Andrew was the third son of the late Arthur Jr. and Bernice (Fuller) Greene. He was educated in public schools, graduating from New Bedford High School in 1973. While at NBHS, he played on the football team and was proud of having won the Harold Jaslow Memorial Trophy. He cherished the many friends made in the classroom and on the football field.
Andy continued his studies and graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor's Degree in English. He worked for the United States Postal Service in Fairhaven, retiring in 2015.
He and Nancy married in 1982, and after five years in New Bedford, settled in Fairhaven to raise their family.
In addition to Nancy, Andy is survived by daughter, Lauren of New Bedford and son, Nathaniel and his wife, Kristen of Dartmouth. Also surviving Andy are brother, Michael Greene and his partner Claudia Warrington of Fairhaven, and sister, Patricia Greene of Fall River; sisters-in-law, Susan Bedard and her husband Joe, Carol Sherman, and Pamela Greene, all of New Bedford; and brother-in-law Peter Sherman and his wife Donna of Dartmouth. Numerous loving nieces and nephews complete the list. Andy was also the brother of the late David Greene, brother-in-law of the late Robert Sherman, and uncle of the late Andrew Roderiques.
Andy was an excellent writer and a lover of the English language. Many in the family sought his expertise for their literary needs. Many have also received a beautifully written note or card from him. His ability to move one with his written words will be remembered fondly. Completing the daily crossword was a routine pleasure, and he especially enjoyed the challenge of the New York Times crossword on Sundays.
In addition to his family, his two great loves were music and sports, both of which he loved passionately. He had eclectic tastes in music, but was particularly fond of folk music, having an extensive collection of albums, attending concerts and performances regularly, and never missing the annual Newport Folk Festival, which was a highlight of his summer. His knowledge of sports and music history often seemed encyclopedic. He was blessed with a keen mind and a sharp memory.
He had a beautiful voice, and is well known to the local karaoke scene. His "go-to" songs included "Steam Roller", "Georgia on my Mind", and "Pride and Joy".
In addition to his high school football exploits, Andy kept active playing adult softball, mainly for Ronnie's Cafe, Lebeau's Tavern, and Miller's Homeport until his forties. He was a longtime Fairhaven Little League coach, first coaching his son and continuing to coach for several years thereafter. He also coached his daughter in softball.
In later years, he became a baseball umpire and volleyball referee. He was a member of SMBUA and SMVO. He umpired a doubleheader in fall ball the day before he passed. Watching a professional, high school, or little league game with him always involved a critique of the umpires.
Andy had other passions as well. He enjoyed being a "fill-in" member of the Pine Hill Acres Friday Night Card Club. He also enjoyed playing team trivia one night a week with his late brother David, daughter Lauren, and friends. The team name is The Jerks, obviously an intentional misnomer. Andy was a big part of the reason the team won way more than it lost in the weekly competition.
When it came to professional spectator sports, Andy loved his Yankees, and could always be seen wearing his NY baseball cap. He also loved the New York Giants (until after many losing seasons, he burned his pennant on the front lawn, whence he switched to the Jets), and of course the Celtics. He remembered fondly the many championships his beloved Yankees and Celtics won, being fortunate to attend several playoff games at the Garden in the 80's.
He was a lover of history, an excellent cook, and loved the television shows NCIS and Criminal Minds. He had a dry wit that was enjoyed by all.
By far his greatest joy was his family: his children, who he was immensely proud of; his wife, and their many adventures together; watching his grandnephews Dillon and Lucas excel at baseball; and spending time with other members of the family often.
Andy was good natured, soft spoken, thoughtful, loyal and loving, and had a heart of gold. He gave the best hugs. Always remember Andy as a kind and gentle soul who cared deeply about others. He was always willing to give anyone a second chance, even if they had hurt him in some way. Samuel Johnson said "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good". By that measure, Andy was a giant.
His visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 7th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 11 AM in the Pilgrim United Church of Christ 635 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball (c/o Matt Ponte, 6 Wayne St, Fairhaven, MA 02719), or Narrows Center for the Arts (narrowscenter.org).