John Philip Greene

Born at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, John grew up in NYC, later building a life defined by hard work, humor, independence, and deep love for his family and craft.

He was the devoted husband of Madeline F. Christenson, beloved father of Valerie (Eric) Weber, and proud grandfather of Maxwell, Blakely, and Griffyn. John was the son of John Matthew Greene and Helen Greene (née Lily), and the youngest brother of the late Richard “Richie” Greene and Patricia (Jack) Carton. He is survived by his sister Mary Raffloer, sister-in-law Carol Christenson (Pete Schkeeper), brother-in-law Matthew Christenson, and nieces and nephews Kenny, Cynthia, John, Lauren, and Jacqueline.

John lived many lives: he owned and ran three delis in NYC, drove a NYC cab, and ultimately spent over 50 years running a book printing business across New York and Pennsylvania. He adored books—not only reading them, but preserving the craft of printing them, a skill and trade that has nearly vanished. He was a great printer, a detail man, and a believer in the lasting power of the printed word.

He loved the water—living in Shirley and Long Beach, NY, and finally in Paoli with a view of Crabby Creek. The Chesapeake Bay was a treasured getaway. He shared his life with two beloved and rowdy chocolate labs, Wilson and Frankie. He loved arguing, laughing, and politics, and he fiercely loved his daughter, his cousins, and friends.

John’s favorite quote, from Oscar Wilde, summed up both his work and his personality: "I have spent most of the day putting in a comma and the rest of the day taking it out." As a book printer, and a man who lived in the details, he understood that line more than most.

Arrangements for a memorial service are currently being planned and will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor John are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice — or simply raise a glass and share a story in his memory.