John “Jack” Green was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1932. He lived a long, meaningful life defined by devotion to his family and a deep commitment to public education. He was well loved by friends and family, as well as by the staff at his residence, Maplewood at Brewster.
Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Harrison Green, whom he married in 1956 and who passed away in September 2021; by his beloved grandson, Eric Witunski of Holliston, Massachusetts, in October 2018; by his parents, Rose E. and Lawrence W. Green; and by his sisters, Dorothy M. Green of Natick and Beatrice L. Clews of Ashland, Massachusetts.
He is survived by his children, Douglas Green of Oceanside, California; Susan Green of Framingham, Massachusetts; and Mark Green (Dawn) of Sunset, South Carolina, who were a constant source of pride; by his grandchildren, Christopher Green (Denisse), Connor Green, Meghan Green (Will Coris), Kirsten Witunski (Alex Wilson), and Kyle Witunski; and by his great-grandchildren, Arabella, James, and Nicholas, who brought him immense joy.
A 1950 graduate of Natick High School, Jack earned his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College in 1954, a master’s degree from Northeastern University in 1960, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from the University of Connecticut in 1964. Education was not just his profession; it was his calling. In recognition of his lifelong service to education, he was inducted into the Natick High School Wall of Achievement along with his sister, Dorothy M. Green, in 2002.
Jack devoted more than forty years to public education and educational leadership. He retired in 1997 after twenty-two years as President and Executive Director of the Education Development Center Organization for Greater Boston (EDCO), a consortium of Boston-area school districts. Under his leadership, EDCO provided vital services to member communities, state and federal agencies, and thousands of disadvantaged and at-risk students.
From 1977 to 1989, Jack also directed the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship Program through the Institute for Educational Leadership and was honored with the National Leadership Award for his contributions to improving American education.
Earlier in his career, Jack served as a national education policy fellow in the office of Senator Walter F. Mondale, as a senior associate at the National Institute of Education, and as Education Director of the Greater Hartford Process. His early years included service as a teacher in Braintree and Natick, Massachusetts, and as a principal and superintendent of schools in Suffield, Connecticut. He completed his military service at the Pentagon in the Office of the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army.
Beyond his professional life, Jack was deeply devoted to his family and curious about the world around him. He loved playing the piano, reading, photography, videography, sports, and thoughtful conversation. Jack held strong political views and enjoyed respectful debate, but he believed even more strongly in listening and mutual respect, values he carried throughout his life.
Jack resided for many years in Wellesley and Brewster, Massachusetts, spending his final years at Maplewood at Brewster.
A private graveside service will be held by the family at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley, Massachusetts.