Donald Green

Donald Green (Don), age 90 of Palm Harbor, Florida passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023. He was born on February 25, 1932, in Riverdale, New Jersey, the youngest son of Leona and Alfred Green. He is a Navy veteran, and served from 1951 through 1957, with part of his time served on the U.S.S. Saratoga (CVA-60) aircraft carrier. Prior to entering the Navy, Don married his childhood sweetheart, Joan Smith on July 21, 1950, and they were married for 57 years prior to Joan’s passing in August 2007. Don was a machinist by trade and spent his career as a tool and die maker. To escape the cold winters in New Jersey, Don and Joan relocated to Largo, Florida in 1984, eventually purchasing a second home in Brooksville, Florida, and moving to Brooksville permanently when Don retired.

Don was affectionately known as “Pip” by his children and closest family and friends. The nickname stuck after once being called “Pop” by his young children – a name he was not particularly fond of, so his children came up with the name “Pip”, which fit him, and stuck with him for the rest of his life. Don was an avid outdoorsman and hunted and fished for most of his life. He also loved sports, and never missed a game or a moment in any of his four children’s lives and athletic careers. He was the rock of the family whose steady presence could always be counted on. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could often be found cracking a joke or making those around him smile. He was loved and adored by so many and will be deeply missed.

Don is survived by his four children, son Don Green and his wife Nancy of Palm Harbor, FL, daughter Jody Young and her husband Brent of Brooksville, FL, daughter Tracey Bartlett and her husband Chris of Dunedin, FL, and daughter Shelly DeMillion of Dunedin, FL. He is also survived by two grandsons, Ryan Heiney of Winter Park, FL, and Shawn Heiney and his wife Chelsea of Cambridge, MA. He was blessed to recently welcome great grandson Jackson Thomas Young from his step-grandson Jared Young and his wife Toni of Brooksville, FL. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends he made throughout his life.

Funeral arrangements will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, and Don’s family and friends will gather at the Merritt Funeral Home Brooksville Chapel, 2 S. Lemon Ave., Brooksville, FL 34601, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The Memorial Service will follow and begin at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon/reception and continuation of fellowship and remembrance will immediately follow the Memorial Service at the Brooksville Chapel.