Elmer Lewis Green

Elmer Lewis “Pete” Green, 91, of Venice, FL passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2021. He was born in Colonial Beach, VA on October 26, 1929 where he lived and worked until he and his wife retired and moved to Florida in 1994.

Pete Green was drafted into the U. S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was the last surviving waterman from Colonial Beach who participated in the historic Maryland-Virginia Oyster Wars. His adventures on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay are chronicled in a chapter of the book published by Sherryl Woods: A Small Town Love Story: Colonial Beach, Virginia. Gladys Green summarized his legendary experiences in a document which was provided to the Colonial Beach Historical Society in August 2010. As a young man, Pete's work involved all things associated with boats and motors. He loved the beach and the waterways and always owned at least one boat. He was a professional painter. Pete was skilled in construction and doubled the size of the family residence in order to accommodate an ever-growing family. He often worked multiple jobs in order to provide for his large family. He retired from The Naval Weapons Laboratory in Dahlgren, VA. Pete Green never met a stranger. He touched many lives and could connect with and relate to everyone he encountered. His natural smile, charming wit and winning personality could light up a room. Pete was a gifted storyteller and easily captivated audiences of all ages. In the eyes of his children and grandchildren, he was larger than life.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Gladys Warder Green; five children: Linda G. Gaston (Lewis) of Fairhope, AL, Mark W. Green (Rosie) of Lexington Park, MD, Karen D. Scanzoni (Steve) of Hillsborough, NC, Robin L. Bretzmann of Chapel Hill, NC, and Wanda A. Green of Roanoke, VA; twelve grandchildren: Matthew & Nicole Alther, Stephanie Harmon Winebrenner, Bryan, Jason, Christopher, & Sarah Scanzoni, Bruce Roberts, Alison Goldstein, Laura Gaston, Thomas & Peter Bretzmann; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: Virginia L. “Sug” Rowley Oxner and Shirley G. McKenney (Donald) both of Colonial Beach; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Green was preceded in death by his parents: James Leven Green, Myrtle Steffey Green Triplett; stepfather, Kenneth L. Triplett; and brothers: Julian L. Green and Donald L. Green.

A private memorial service will occur on February 9, 2021. Attendance will be restricted to immediate family members. Burial will be scheduled at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army. Cards, notes and written expressions of sympathy are welcomed and may be sent to Gladys Green, 330 West Baffin Drive, Venice, FL 34293. PLEASE NO FLOWERS