Jerome Green

1923 - 2016
Dr. Jerome Green, former principal of PS111, the Adolph S. Ochs school, passed away 21 June, just one month short of turning 93. Survived by loving wife Lila, proud sons Ken & Fred, Fred's wife Amy, adoring grandchildren Savannah, Andrew, Justin, David, Marina, Ashley, and niece Louise. He was pre-deceased by son Daniel.

This Bronx born son of immigrants, known for a meticulous lifestyle, was ironically nicknamed "Lightning" while attached to the "Golden Acorn" 87th ID of Patton's 3rd Army, serving proudly in France, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge and across Germany until V-E day. Amongst the remaining WWII surviving vets, he was worthy of the greatest generation moniker.

Returning home he married Ruth, a Bellevue nurse he'd met in high school before WWII and had been corresponding with while overseas. They started a family as he continued his life-long career in education.

With a degree from NYU, he became an Evander Childs High School English teacher, doubling up as tennis coach, advancing to Assistant Principal at PS48. Then selected to become principal in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan at PS111. Along that path, he earned his PhD writing about Carl Sandburg. His love of the English literature was something he constantly imparted to his sons.

Loved and admired by teachers, students and parents alike at PS111 because of his dedication to enriching his students ' lives, and his passion for championing the educational rights of those in the PS111 neighborhood. His school was a shining example of diversity and the eclectic mix of NY cultures. He worked tirelessly to incorporate that diversity into the school's constantly improving academic programs, ideals that continue there today.

Known and respected amongst his peers in the NYC Board of Education he was nationally recognized, eventually serving as chair of the elementary school section of the National Council of Teachers of English, and as President of the NY State English Council. He retired in 1986, after more than 30 years in education, 20 of which were at PS111. Not one to remain idle, he became certified as a psychoanalyst, a member of the Alfred Adler Institute, studying and promoting psychoanalytic teachings while also seeing patients.

During his 20 years at PS111 and post divorce, he moved to Hell's Kitchen and then met and married his 2nd wife Lila. Together they were the consummate Manhattan-ites, regulars at the opera, theater, museums and sampling the fare at local theater district eateries.

To his sons he stressed academic excellence and the idea that serving the community as he did, was more important than serving self. His ideals rubbed off, as all three sons achieved academic excellence and pursued careers that served the community and country.

Sadly, Alzheimer's ravaged this great educator of one of his greatest abilities- his eloquent speech. As John Donne wrote in one of Jerome's favorite poems, "any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind..." Jerome Green will be sorely missed because he was involved in mankind.