Victor J. Greene

Victor J. Greene, Jr., 79, of Quincy, died peacefully after a long illness on the evening of June 2, 2016.  Victor has left a legacy of love, loyalty and integrity with his family, friends, co-workers and others who knew him.

Victor was born in Everett, MA in 1937 to his devoted parents Anna Maria (Smith) and Victor Joseph Greene.   He was the oldest brother to John (Jack), Joseph and Donald Greene.  His father had worked his way up to be the Captain of a commercial fishing vessel out of the Boston Port Authority, and this is where Victor had his first work experience in his teens on shipping expeditions and often in perilous weather.  Victor entered the US Army after graduating from Cathedral High School in 1955.  He proudly served his country specializing in communications technology.   His time in the military was spent overseas where he was a part of the rebuilding project in Europe, travelling through Germany, France and England. After receiving an honorable discharge from military service in 1958, he began a lifetime career with Boston Edison in 1961.  He worked for Boston Edison for 57 years as it changed to NSTAR and now Eversource, which was a great source of pride and accomplishment.  He was a dedicated employee who was also attained several leadership positions with the local utilities union in the 1970’s, where he advocated for fair wages and benefits for his fellow electrical workers.

He met and fell in love with Marjorie F. Rogers who became his wife in 1962.  Victor was a strong role model for his children, instilling in them the values of education, hard work and self-betterment, as evidenced by his attendance at night school during the early years of his career, eventually earning an Associate Degree from the Franklin Institute of Technology in 1968 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Northeastern University in 1971.

 His family was always his first priority in life.  He had great pride in the Newfoundland roots of his parents. He was close to his brothers and their families throughout the years, and lovingly helped to care for his mother in her final years. In 1968 he learned that his beloved brother, Donald, was killed in action in Quang Tin, South Vietnam.  This tragedy drove a life-long commitment to veteran issues and he was part of an organization which renamed streets in Dorchester after the young men who had given their lives in the war.  He continued to contact and support war veterans throughout his life.  He worked with his brother Jack every day for many years until Jack’s cancer diagnosis in 1985.  He had stayed in touch with his surviving brother Joe and together they made a memorable trip to Tennessee to visit one of Donald’s military colleagues. For his children he was the reliable protector who could always be counted on for help and support when facing life’s challenges.  While working hard to support his family and his children’s education, he also made sure to plan for fun times as well.  Visits to Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, Lincoln Amusement Park, and Ellis Haven in Plymouth were made every year along with many happy memories.  Victor was careful and astute financially so that he could ensure he could give his children the important things in life, and to ensure that they could receive a good education.  He put all of his children through Catholic high schools, and then college, including Fitchburg State College, Harvard University and Boston College.  His grandchildren brought him great joy for which he was immensely grateful.  

Victor was a role model in the way he courageously confronted his battle with cancer.

Former husband of the late Marjorie (Rogers) Greene. Loving father of Mary A. Majors and her husband Jeffrey of San Diego, Carol A. Greene and Craig Kalpakjian of New York City, New York, Victor J. Greene and his wife Kim of Norwood, and Donald J. Greene and his wife Ashley of Milton. Brother of Joseph A. Greene and his wife Patricia of Abington and the late John J. Greene and Donald J. Greene, United States Army, Vietnam War. Cherished Grandfather of Victor, Aidan, Joseph, Erin and Kathryn Greene. Brother-in-Law of Margaret Greene of Quincy. Victor is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Tuesday 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Wednesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Boston.. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AMVETS   http://www.amvets.org/ or to the American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org/