Fay I. Greene

Fay Ivan Greene, age 104, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, entering his eternal home with the Lord. He was born on Dec. 3, 1921, in Clearwater Township, Kalkaska County, Mich., the son of Fred and Zella (Rewald) Greene.

At the age of 14, Fay’s family relocated to Hanover, Mich. He graduated from Hanover High School in 1940, where he excelled in athletics. A member of the 1940 basketball team, he helped lead them to county, district and regional championships. He also pole vaulted 10 feet 6 inches using a bamboo pole to win the county title in Class D, and he was an active member of the baseball team.

On July 16, 1940, Fay enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with honor in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the USS Pruitt and USS Massey, achieving the rank of sonar second class. He was honorably discharged on July 18, 1946.

Fay married Helen Reiniche on Dec. 19, 1942, in San Francisco, Calif. Together they had three children: Dan (Elaine) Greene of Norfolk, Va.; Jim (Betsy) Greene of Hudson, Mich.; and Mary Helen (Patrick) Hayes of Adrian, Mich. Helen passed away on May 1, 1965.

On July 2, 1966, Fay married Joanne (Hartzell) Hasselschwert in Toledo, Ohio. Together they raised three children: Ann (David) Darke of Bowling Green, Ohio; Suzanne (Lawrence) Miller of Blissfield, Mich.; and Charles (Caryl) Greene of Reidsville, N.C.  Joanne passed away on May 22, 2016.

Fay worked as a truck driver throughout his career, first for Jack Smith Beverage in the Ann Arbor area, and later for Kuhlman Concrete, hauling sand and gravel until his retirement in 1984.

A devoted member of the community, Fay was active in the Tecumseh Fan Club, volunteering his time for bingo, securing advertising for school sports programs and assisting in many other roles. He was also a faithful member of St. Elizabeth’s Parish for the last 70 years, where he contributed in many ways: as a basketball coach, lector, usher, money counter, roast beef dinner chairman, snow plow driver and even as a handy “fixer” of ovens in the Parish Hall.

Fay had a passion for the outdoors and a love of life. He enjoyed deer hunting, camping, traveling, fixing things and spending time with his “McDonald’s buddies” and at his second home, Big Boy. He was known for his wit and warmth, always ready to share or listen to a good joke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister; his first wife, Helen; his second wife, Joanne; his granddaughters, Megan Hayes and Nicole Darke; and his grandson, Marcus Greene. He is survived by his six children, 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation took place at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Mich., with a short service including military honors by the Tecumseh American Legion Post #34 and the Tecumseh VFW Post #4187 at the Lenawee County Memorial Gardens, with prayers offered by the Rev.  Dan Wheeler. A luncheon will follow at St. Elizabeth’s Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church or the VA (Veteran Affairs).

Fay Greene will be remembered for his service, dedication, humor, and love for God, family and community.