William "Bill" J. Greene

Bill was born in Boston, MA on June 5, 1952, the third of four boys. The brotherly bond between the four Greene brothers, Ben, Howie, Bill and Dan was a constant throughout Bill’s life.

You could take the guy out of Dorchester, but Bill was very proud that, no matter where he lived or traveled, you could never take the Dorchester out of the guy. Those core Irish-Boston values and traits defined Bill and embody the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

His daughters, Tracey, Nikki, and Stephanie were everything to Bill. Being a Dad and then a Papa was the greatest joy of his life. He was proud of them as children and, as time went on, so proud of their families.

Bill was raising his daughters when he met the love of his life, Jane, on Cape Cod. Their granddaughter, Cassie, called them the “Dream Team”, and nothing could be truer. From the moment they met, they were the true definition of life partners. For good, for bad, for sickness, and in health. They did it all, lived life to the fullest, and did it with the utmost love and respect for each other. And fun. Did we mention fun? They traveled extensively, ran numerous races, golfed terribly, and loved filling their home with friends and family. To them, “if you need a place to stay” wasn’t an empty offer. Throughout their life together, they quietly opened their home to extended family and friends, and friends of friends in times of need.

Bill went big, always.

Biggest heart, always welcoming anyone and everyone to share their home, take in a revered Pats game, or host a giant family gathering (because it was never small). If Bill caught wind of anyone needing help, he would be there in a heartbeat and could always be counted on. His door was always open, with a hot delicious meal ready for you.

Biggest splash, literally. Bill is remembered fondly by his kids, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as not being a calm one to sit by the pool or lake. Always one to liven things up, grandchildren would often find themselves catapulted into a cannonball before they knew what was happening, looking back to find a grinning Bill behind them.

Biggest portions. Go big or go home, right? So many memories of Bill include food. To him, food was love. He would carefully prepare giant portions of calzones, mudslides, Thanksgiving dinners, ribs, and the kids’ favorite- the famous ice cream sundae parties. Toppings on top of toppings, Bill-style.

If someone was going through a hard time or a life event, you’d likely see Bill show up with a catering-size platter and an offer “if you need anything,” like he hadn’t just done everything. You never saw Bill and left hungry or thirsty.

Biggest kid. Bill was the biggest of the kids, always. The first to break out into a nerf gun fight at Christmas or Thanksgiving, the first to break out the crazy hat for a “Pippin walk” with his dog and grandkids where they would mimic the dog as they walked around the block, kids exploding in laughter each time, and Bill certainly not caring for a second what he might look like walking down the Brewster street in a jester hat periodically squatting. Bill was always up for a game of bocce, a fishing adventure, a trip, or simply a game of cribbage on the porch with Grammy. He brought the fun.

Bill was larger than life in so many ways and lived that life of giving as long as possible. He spent the last few years at Maplewood in Brewster, where he fought a brave and valiant battle against Lewy Body Dementia. He was a cheerleader to other people also suffering from dementia and spoke freely about his experience which was often the catalyst for other people to share their experiences openly. While suffering from this disease, he participated in walks to help raise money for future research. He once provided an article to one of his mentors at AFSC and said, “This may be too late for me but could help someone in the future.”

On behalf of his family, we are so grateful to the staff at Maplewood and the community at Alzheimer’s Family Support Center (AFSC) in Brewster, who traveled with us through our entire journey with the disease and provided a constant source of support and love.

Bill is remembered by his beloved wife, Jane, his children and their spouses, Tracey (Greene) and Celio Silva, Nicole (Greene) and Michael Wing, Stephanie (Greene) Spano, and Scott Spano. Grandchildren Casandra (Greene) and Joshua Dupuis, Madilyn Silva, Samuel Silva, Olivia Spano, Domenic Spano, William Spano, Charlotte Wing, and Lilian Wing. His brothers Brendan and Ann Greene, Harold and Elaine Greene and Daniel and Christina Greene. And, in typical Boston-Irish fashion, a flock of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, each of whom were sure they were Bill’s favorite.

We invite friends and family to join us in remembering Bill on Sunday, October 2nd, from 1 - 4 p.m. at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster, MA 02631. Burial in Brewster Memorial Cemetery.

In place of flowers, we encourage anyone interested to learn more about AFSC and its incredible impact on the community and donate in Bill’s memory if you wish. AFSC, 2095 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 or www.alzfamilysupport.org. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.