Wayne J. Green

POTSDAM – Wayne J. Green, 72, a lifelong resident of Hewittville, peacefully passed away early Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026 at the Cleveland Clinic, with the love of his family at his side.

Wayne was born in Potsdam on September 19, 1953, the youngest child of Francis G. and Dorothy G. (Dumont) Green. Wayne attended Potsdam Central Schools, graduating from Potsdam High School in 1972. On October 19, 1973, he married the love of his life, Nancy I. White in Potsdam. For 53 years, their love, companionship, and commitment filled their home with 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and countless friends and memories.

Wayne was always a hard worker starting as a young man at Eastern Petroleum. In 1973, while working at Eastern, he started his machinist apprenticeship at ALCOA, where he was known as "Yogi." He continued his employment for 32 years until his retirement in 2005 as a machinist. Not only was he a machinist that could fabricate anything, but he was also a skilled carpenter, mason, and mechanic, skills he learned from his father and grandfather. He remodeled his home, built many garages, helped each of his children with home renovations, and was always there to help other family and friends. His building didn't stop at his children, it continued with cedar toy boxes and hope chests for his grandchildren.

Wayne also supported his community as a former member of the Raquette River Volunteer Fire Department and West Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department. Wayne had a great love for the outdoors, with hunting being a great passion of his. He enjoyed deer seasons with his brother, sons, and grandson in the Adirondacks as a member of Owl Mountain Rod and Gun Club, where he served as their secretary/treasurer for over 40 years and the last two seasons at his son's property, the No Wake Ranch. His greatest love for the outdoors wasn't woods, it was the carrying on the family tradition that his parents started in 1957, when they built a little summer camp on "The Flow" in Parishville. This little camp provided a paradise to so many as he spent hours driving the boat for those learning to water ski, offering a cold beverage or hearty welcome to the passerby, or in recent years just a peaceful ride around the pond on the pontoon. He made sure that if you visited The Green's at "The Flow" - you came as a friend and left as family.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, best friend, and rock, Nancy; his children and their spouses, Lisa Wagstaff of Potsdam, Wendy and David Rufa of Ogdensburg, Chad and Cathy Green of Massena, and Wayne "Duff" and Jennifer Green of West Potsdam; his grandchildren, Jonathan Deon, Ashlee (Jackie) Conway, Mikayla Wagstaff (Mike Besaw), Makenzie Wagstaff (Claire Said), Matthew (Amanda) Smith, Quinn Rufa, Gian Rufa (Quincie Parker), Nolan (Krissy) Rufa, Julian (Jaylene) Rufa, and Kaylee and Devin Green, and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Leland Sr. "Buck" and Ann Green; his niece Liane (Mike) Eggleston; his nephews, Leland "BJ" (Heather) Green and Scott Spears; numerous cousins and friends.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Dorothy; his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Winona White; his son, James S. Smith on April 29, 2012; his sister, Bonnie L. Spears on August 25, 2016; and his niece and goddaughter, Rebecca A. Green on November 12, 2018.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar Street, Potsdam, where friends and family may call on Sunday 1-5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew's Catholic Church with Rev. Patrick Ratigan, celebrating and Rev. Raymond Moreau, con-celebrating. Burial will be held in the spring in Calvary Cemetery, Norwood.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the West Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department, Parishville Volunteer Fire Department, or Potsdam Rescue Squad. Also please consider giving the gift of life to others and become an organ donor in honor of Wayne and so many others that have already given that gift.

His family would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the love, care and compassion that he received from the entire care team at the Cleveland Clinic following his "Gift of Life" double lung transplant in June 2023. In the darkest hours, they never gave up caring for, encouraging, or supporting him and us as well through this journey. The nurses quickly became their "Cleveland Kids," especially Max, Andrea, and Abby. Without hesitation they found him and quietly cared for him again in his final days at the Clinic. The friendships forged will follow us forever.