Francis "Papa" Green

Born in a farmhouse outside Warrensburg, Missouri, he grew up curious about the wider world. He loved looking at maps and imagining the places he might someday visit.

Frank served in the Army for a year beginning in late 1957. Upon his discharge, he was offered a “hop” on a military plane to Europe, where he traveled for five weeks. He married his beloved Zoe in Warrensburg in 1961. They lived in and around Kansas City until 1971, when they moved with their family of five to Alexandria, Virginia. Frank worked in U.S. government personnel departments until his retirement. He and Zoe loved their beautifully wooded home in Annandale, Virginia, where Frank was able to live until his death.

Zoe’s Brazilian roots inspired many treasured trips to visit beloved relatives and see the country’s sights. Frank traveled along the Amazon and they together in the Pantanal, and even bought a mountain home in São José dos Campos, Brazil. Frank especially enjoyed Brazilian food, and even in his final days, he spoke of returning to Brazil with Zoe.

He and Zoe ventured together to many countries, and he joined the Falls Church Rotary Club, serving in various capacities for over 20 years. For a few years he was on the board of the Virginia Chamber Orchestra, and they both enjoyed attending countless concerts and shows together at the Kennedy Center.

A dedicated runner who valued fitness, Frank was proud of his accomplishments on the track. In 1959, he was a state and conference champion in the 880-yard run at an AAU meet, with a time of 1:53.8. In 1956, his practice times at Kansas University were 9:44 for two miles and 4:29.5 for one mile. He competed in triathlons—swimming, biking, and running—many times in the 1980s, and completed the Marine Corps Marathon once. As a senior, he took part in running events at the Senior Olympics twice.

Frank earned a degree in psychology and explored architectural studies for a time. In his forties, he began taking art classes at institutes such as the Torpedo Factory, developing the talent behind his beautiful pastel paintings. He was fascinated by astronomy and knew the distances in the solar system by heart. He was also a member of Mensa.

Frank is survived by his wife of 65 years, Zoe; their children, Audrey Zimmermann and her husband, Matt, of Bismarck, North Dakota; Des Green and her husband, Tim Reif, of Washington, D.C.; and son Michael of São Paulo, Brazil; six grandchildren, Cori and Richard, children of Audrey and Matt, and Paul, Anna, Sarah, and Clare, children of Des and Tim; and great-granddaughter Zoe Grace, Cori’s daughter. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Jones; nephew David Jones of Lakeland, Florida; and many nieces and nephews in Brazil.

Countless people have commented over the years what a fun, sweet, and endearing couple Frank and Zoe were. Frank will always be lovingly remembered for his love and devotion to Zoe and his family, his curiosity and creativity, his love of travel, and his witty one-liners.

A Funeral Service will be held at St Michael's Catholic Church, 7401 St Michaels Ln, Annandale, VA 22003, US, on November 6, 2026, Visitation from 9:30 am - 10:00 am, Mass 10:00am -11:00am. Reception to follow offsite.