Mr. Curtis "Dad" Greene

UTICA - Mr. Curtis “Dad” Greene, age 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the comfort and dignity of his home. Born in Utica on November 4, 1948, Curtis was the son of the late Donald “Donny” Greene and Catherine “Sis” Moore. Curtis was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1967. He was a member of the Magnificent Yankees Drum and Bugle Corps of Utica and the Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps, the captain of the Color Guard, and a precision Drill Rifleman. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Curtis served his country with honor from 1968-1970 during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of numerous service medals. At one time, he was married to the former Rosetta Evans and their union was blessed with two devoted daughters. Curtis enjoyed his career as a machinist in Rome at Revere Copper & Brass and Pettibone Mulliken Corporation, a leading manufacturer of railroad track equipment. Subsequently, he accepted a position with the New York State Psychiatric Center in the Maintenance and Delivery Departments, the position from which he retired. Curtis was called the original “Uber Driver” for his family, friends, and anyone who needed a lift. He will be remembered for his many acts of kindness and compassion. He helped a bountiful number of people and was loved and respected for his benevolent heart. The appreciation of his vehicle came from the desire for his automobile to be detailed to perfection. So, he took on the task personally. He enjoyed his cars and had an eye for detail. It was a labor of love that people noticed, and heads would turn. Curtis was a distinguished gentleman and family man. He raised his children, and the virtues and guidance he gave them were unparalleled. An earnest work ethic was paramount. Equally important were how to be respectful and to know that family came first. He was also a thoughtful, great gift-giver. He had an elegant taste in fashion and was a stylish dresser. Everyone who knew him will remember his gleaming shoes, his black shoe polish, and the apparatus he used to shine shoes like no other. He was not reserved or subdued in his appearance and apparel - from head to toe! Curtis was the “rock of his entire family”, and he wanted unity and peacefulness. He avoided confrontation and conflict. He was like a shining star. Everyone knew him! You may have known him as Curt or Mr. Greene. You also knew he was truly beloved and appreciated. He affected so many people and his generosity and passionate ways were genuine. Curtis did God’s work every day. As stated in Matthew 25:35-40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. Curtis held an open heart to the words and teachings of the Lord. He enjoyed family cookouts and get-togethers. It was up until this past Mother’s Day that he was sitting in his chair and conversing with his sister and all the grands and great grands. What a way to phase life out! One of his favorite places was O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria on Bleecker Street. He will miss their #7 pie, their spaghetti, Fish Fry, and macaroni salad. The staff knew him by name! He never slowed down, rather kept it moving. He was a member of the Mohawk Street McDonald’s Breakfast Club, and what a group it was! What interesting topics were discussed. He showed his patriotism and brotherhood by being a member of American Legion Post #229. Curtis also traveled throughout New York State and Pennsylvania to see Drum and Bugle Corps competitions. He always kept the beat, and each day, in his own kitchen, he had his drum pads and sticks to keep himself in practice. Left to cherish Curtis’s beautiful life are his daughters Felicia Greene (Papa James), Diana C. Greene, and Katacha Garrett. He cherished in his heart the memory of his son, Donnel A. “Duke” Hymes, who preceded him on March 30, 2016. He also leaves his grandchildren: Jonathan Howard, Cassandra Howard, Shakeem Greene, Devante (Daily) Greene, Robert Greene, Jaleesa Findley, Anthony and Zhane Garrett, and Thatcher Edwards; a host of great-grandchildren; his sisters and their loves: Diane Hawkins, Valerie Moore, The Reverend Beverly Moore-Tasy (Sandy), and Suzette Moore; brothers and their loves: Jeffrey Moore, Vincent Greene (Earline), Keith Moore (Dorothy), Kevin Moore, Pernell Moore, Sean Moore, and Alain Moore (Tausha); and the memory of his three brothers who preceded him: Lawrence Moore, Craig Moore, and Larry Greene. He was raised and loved by additional family, including: Joyce Flagg (Robert), Gwendolyn Jones, Elizabeth “Bonnie” Turner Holt, Leola Turner Jones, Marie Turner Morrison, Joe Turner (Donna), and George “Ricky” Turner. Also surviving are a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially Aunt Gracie. He remained close to and shared a bond with members of the Evans family. Although he had a wonderful group of friends throughout his life, he was especially close to Dennis, Dan “Rosco”, Rev. Leonard Himes, John “Brother”, and his “special lady friends.” The family is grateful to Curtis’ VA physician, Zaki Badawy, M.D. and his staff at the Rome and Syracuse offices. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Curtis’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 4:00 PM; Military Honors will be conferred. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87141917047 Memorial contributions, in lieu of floral offerings, in Curtis’ honor may be directed to the Central New York Veterans’ Outreach Center online at https://www.ucdevelopment.org/ or the American Legion Post #229 online at https://uticapost229.org/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Forest Hill Cemetery in the Veterans Burial Garden on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Mr. Curtis "Dad" Greene

November 4, 1948 - May 16, 2023