Hiram Franklin Greene, age 95, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday,
February 11th, 2018.
“Hi” was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 9th, 1923 to Mina and Clayton Greene, and
was raised in Port Henry, NY. In 1941, he earned a scholarship to attend Hamilton College, but
his studies were soon put on hold when he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps. Hi proudly flew a
Grumman TBM Avenger torpedo bomber throughout the war years , and aviation would
thereafter always be an important part of his life. After WWII, Hiram returned to college, finished
his degree in 1949, and secured a job working for the Glens Falls Insurance Company.
On May 30th, 1952, he married Mary Ezrow of Churubusco, NY, and together they became
active members of the community in Plattsburgh, NY, where Hiram worked as a manager for the
Continental Insurance Company. In 1962, Hi and Mary purchased the J. W. Webb Agency, Inc.
and moved the family to Massena, NY. Hiram was Governor of the Optimist International Club
District 28 (‘62-’63) and belonged to and served on the boards of various service organizations
throughout his career, including the Masonic Lodge, the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, and
United Way. Hi loved music and sang with barbershop choruses, and played the organ and
piano by ear. He was an avid aviator, downhill skier, swimmer, and golfer well into his early
eighties.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; his five children, Robert (Bette Bradshaw), Susan
(Robin Fronrath), Nancy, Jeff, and Betsy; his six grandchildren, Katie, Ryan, Josh, Kyle
(Jessica), Erika, and Libby; his great-grandson, Wyatt; and his sister-in-law, Betty Haley.
Final arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Donaldson Funeral Home. There will be
no funeral service or calling hours.
The Greene family would like to thank the compassionate medical professionals at Massena
Memorial Hospital and UVM Medical Center, and the remarkable nurses and staff from St.
Lawrence County Hospice for the loving care and comfort they provided through Hiram’s
end-of-life journey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Lawrence County Hospice.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.donaldsonfh.com
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