PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Capt. Laurel Ross “Sonny” Green, 86 Passed to the celestial lodge above in the arms of his loving son and one furry buddie at his side, Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the TAMC healthcare facility in Presque Isle. He was an exceptional father, friend and supporter of his beloved Presque Isle.
Sonny was born and raised in Presque Isle, the son of Fay A. and Gretchen M. Green. He was the second child of five. He was educated in Presque Isle and graduated from PIHS in 1950. He joined the Maine Army National Guard in 1949 and served for 20 years, retiring as a Captain. Sonny made his life’s career of 41 years, with Maine Public Service power utility, working in engineering and retiring as the Manager of Customer Services. Throughout his school and business years, Sonny was very active with sports, both playing and watching. He loved basketball, football and baseball and was anxiously awaiting the World Series games. I’m sure he lent his support from above for the Red Sox in their victory. He played golf at PICC for many years in the men’s league. His hobbies included photography, carpentry and antique cars. In 2002, Sonny was honored with the Presque Isle Citizen of the Year award.
In 1950, he met his future bride, Eleanor Anne (Downing) Green and they were married on August 25, 1956. Together they raised one son. They built their Camp at Cross Lake in 1960 and home in Presque Isle in 1972. Sonny and Eleanor became inseparable and showed the world what love and commitment truly means. Together they travelled, joined in civic organizations, and supported their son and his friends in many adventures. Both enjoyed Sonny’s time as Lt. Go for the New England Kiwanis and traveled to Las Vegas, Nashville and all over New England during his four terms. Even though Eleanor in the later years of marriage began her battle with Alzheimer’s, Sonny never forgot who his beloved Eleanor was and he became her primary care source for 16 years. His love never wavered and her’s did not either. She held on for him as long as she could to make sure they reached their 60th wedding anniversary, passing away later that night. Since losing Eleanor, he was blessed to have so many people who made his life joyful, especially his long time buddy and neighbor Claude Lamoreau. The last two years of Sonny’s life included trips with his son and Claude to many eating establishments as well as a special trip to New York City to see the International Auto Show. He made a special visit every day to his son’s office to both support him and to have lunch. They became the closest of friends on top of father and son. Recently, Sonny helped to complete both the Maysville Museum and was the coordinator of the building project for the new service building at the Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle.
He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor A. Green; a sister, Betty Green Roope Wade; brothers- in-law, George Morrison and Edward Roope; sister in-law, Marie Aucoin and her husband, Richard.
He is survived by his son, Craig R. Green of Presque Isle; sisters, Ann (Green) Baker of Prospect, CT, Dawn (Green) Calbi and her husband, Vince of Burke, Va.; brother, Richard Green of Farmingdale, ME; sisters- in-law, Mary Rose (Downing) Morrison of Tampa, Fla. and Penny (Beaulieu) Green of Caribou, ME. He also had many wonderful nieces and nephews whom he loved.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Presque Isle Historical Society, Maysville Museum Building Phase II project, PI Hist Soc, P.O. Box 285, Presque Isle, Maine 04769.
