Robert Francis Greene, Jr.

Beautiful Child of the Universe

Robert Francis Greene Jr., age 63, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, due to sudden cardiac failure.

Born on Monday, October 9, 1961, in Boston, Massachusetts. Rob was the son of Robert F. and Mildred S. (Carosio) Greene. Raised in Norwood, he spent his early years swimming, playing with neighborhood friends, and most often singing and dancing…usually at the same time.

In 1976, the Greene family moved to Palos Verdes, California, where Rob attended Palos Verdes High School. There, he flourished in music and theatre, touring Europe with the choir and seeing jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald live - a moment that would ignite a lifelong passion for the performing arts.

Rob graduated in 1979 and went on to study Theatre and Dance at California State University, Chico. He excelled in both leading and ensemble roles, sang with the a cappella choir (touring the Soviet Union and Baltics), danced with Chico Community Ballet, and earned his degree in 1983.

In 1991, Rob and a group of friends founded Chico City Light Opera at the Eaton Road Opera House. He poured his heart into building the theater and into the productions themselves -directing, choreographing, performing. He made his debut in Hair, stopping the show with “My Conviction,” and took his final bow as Albin/Zaza in La Cage aux Folles. Rob was also a vibrant part of the Chico community, managing the lifestyle shop Zucchini & Vine and working as a hair stylist at The Hair Company, a beloved local salon and social hub.

In 1993, Rob was recruited by San Francisco impresario Steve Silver, to perform in Beach Blanket Babylon, where he played iconic roles like the tap-dancing Mr. Peanut, Sonny Bono, and King Louis, and was awed and inspired by the wigs and hats that became signatures of the show’s camp and satire.

He moved to New York City in 1995 and took a day job as an administrative assistant at Castle Harlan, where he occasionally worked with Miriam Weizmann Harlan, former wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His talent for wig and hair design caught the attention of Broadway designer Tom Watson, who hired him for the original production of Wicked. This launched a remarkable Broadway career that included Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and collaborations with designer J. Jared Janas on Fences, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.

In 2009, Rob joined the Metropolitan Opera, styling hair for more than 75 productions streamed globally to an estimated audience of 13.5 million. He later transitioned to film and television, serving as key hairstylist on Madam Secretary and department head on Sesame Street and The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rob relocated to Foxborough, Massachusetts, and continued his film and television work on Spirited, Julia, The Gilded Age, The Holdovers, and Challengers.

While Rob’s artistry earned him acclaim, his true legacy lies in the love, joy, and laughter he shared with family and friends. He sang at his sisters' weddings, mentored his niece and nephews, became his mother’s roomie, and nurtured friendships across the country. He adored scuba diving in Cozumel, gardening, birdwatching, especially hummingbirds - and watching movies, with a particular fondness for Disney, sci-fi, and vampire films.

Rob was endlessly empathetic, hilariously creative, and always generous. He lived to lift people up:

“Need your hair styled for an event? I’ve got my scissors ready.”

“Life kicking you in the head? How ‘bout a dirty limerick, silly dance, or advice voiced by Goofy or Pee-wee Herman?”

“Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s hug it out. Everything’s going to be okay. ‘Cause you know what? Everything is gonna be okay.”

He is the beloved son of Milli Greene of Foxborough and the late Robert Francis Greene; loving brother of Susan G. Menno and her husband James Menno of Walpole, Cathy Ripley Greene, DC and her husband Craig Ripley DC of Norfolk, and Kelly Greene Guerrero of Aliso Viejo, California; cherished uncle of Lauren Menno, Corey Menno, and Logan Guerrero; and chosen family to hundreds

. Please join us for A Celebration of Rob’s Life:

When: Saturday, July 12th 11:00 AMWhere: The Foxboro Community CenterAddress: 76 Main Street Foxboro, MA Rte. 140Dress Code: Fun, Festive & Fabulous – Lots of color!

Memorial donations in Rob’s name may be made to:

Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI): https://gofidog.kindful.com/?campaign=1097575

GOFI – Golden Opportunities for Independence is a new KIND of service dog program. GOFI breeds, raises and trains golden retrievers as service dogs. Rob’s recent plan was to become a GOFI volunteer.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.