Joseph A. Greene

Hi Honey, Now that you are gone, we'd like to tell everyone about you. Hope that's okay. Elizabeth and Edward Greene welcomed Joseph on a beautiful Sunday in late June in 1952. Joe was the third child of six and was born and raised in Erie, PA. A handsome lad with big green eyes and dark curls, he was smart, athletic, mischievous and yes, a little hardheaded too. He loved to tell us how he read his family's encyclopedia set from cover to cover. That was when he wasn't playing baseball or basketball. He graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1970 and attended Edinboro College where he studied education. Summers off sounded great! His education did stop for a while due to the tragic death of his younger brother, Larry. He took his time and graduated in 1976. With his degree, he headed to South Korea for almost two years and taught American children. Joe's longest employment was at Regina High School where he taught for almost 29 years. Many a young lady were instructed by him in Government, History and his favorite, Economics. He was a deeply dedicated teacher and, as in all things, was a perfectionist. Joe's philosophy was to not let his views cloud his teaching. He said that if his students could guess his political views, he had failed. We will keep you guessing! After RHS closed, Joe embarked on a new adventure as an ESL teacher at Andrews Osborne Academy. He taught many international students and maintained ties with some until he passed away. Post teaching, Joe worked as the Meals-on-Wheels site director in Wickliffe. He loved the staff, the volunteers and the clients. It opened a new world to him after being in the classroom. In his personal life, 1987 was a big year. He received his Master's Degree in Education from John Carroll University and he married Theresa (nee: Gecewicz) on Aug. 1st at St. Robert's Church in Euclid, Ohio. Between 1989 and 1997, we welcomed Matthew, Kathryn and Gillian. He would always say that he had no idea how much he would love his children. Unfortunately, Joe was diagnosed in the winter of 2025 with acute myeloid leukemia. He stopped working and his life became a series of endless tests and appointments. Through it all he was not a complainer and remained positive. He leaned on his faith, his family and friends. As always, he began and ended his day with prayers, especially for his children. He looked to St. Joseph and St. John Neuman for inspiration. Joe loved landscaping, doing challenging crossword puzzles, reading and watching police detective shows (usually British). He was a fan of Penn State football and of the Phillies and Flyers. He enjoyed spending time with his dogs, past and present, especially his "wee Jock”, Hugo Bear and Laila. Joe left us peacefully on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, at home with family at his side. Born and died on the Sabbath Day. He was a good man, a tireless worker, a loving husband and father. He will be missed by family and friends. I know Joe would have liked to extend his appreciation and gratitude to Dr. A. Advani, her nurse, Jada and all the nurses and aides at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center. He was treated with compassion, kindness and skill. This long journey was difficult, but the staff made it easier to deal with. All the employees were patient and helpful. Gratitude is also extended to members of the Regina High School community, the Wickliffe Senior Center, former AOA students, family and friends who lifted his spirits and showed concern. Besides his wife and children, Joe is survived by his siblings, Edward Greene, Stephen Greene, Jolie McDonald, and M. Douglas (Mary Ann) Greene and his sisters-in-law, Barbara Beaumont and Sr. Linda Marie SND. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, S. "Larry" Greene. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Masses be said for him or a charitable donation to: Joseph and Mary's Home, 2302 Community College Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Okay, honey. I know I could write a few more pages, but I best stop now. Rest in eternal peace. I love and miss you. Tess. Family and friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A Funeral Mass will be held 12noon., Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 8560 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A private family burial will take place in Mentor Cemetery at a later time. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Joseph A. Greene

June 29, 1952 - January 25, 2026