Matthew D. Green

Matt was born on Oct. 9, 1970, in Blockville, New York, to Martha Wilfong and Lowell Green. He enjoyed a loving upbringing and was especially close to his mother, Martha, and his grandmother, Clara, who both helped guide him throughout his early life. Matt attended Panama Central School, where he excelled academically and participated in sports, including football. He later attended the South Kent School in Connecticut, a family-legacy preparatory school, where he thrived in a classical curriculum while competing in lacrosse, football, and rowing. Gifted and wise beyond his years, he continued to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and History. He also remained a devoted Xavier basketball fan.

Matt began his career teaching English and History at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, NY. He then moved to New York City, where he spent many years teaching at the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School in Lower Manhattan. Wildcat Academy serves students who have dropped out of the traditional public school system and includes a diverse student population, primarily African American. Matt flourished there and quickly became a favorite among colleagues and champion among his students. Here he was known affectionately as “White Green,” to distinguish himself from principal, Fred Green (“Black Green”). The pair shared the playful nicknames with humor, friendship, and a deep respect for one another. After nearly two decades in the city, Matt moved back to Central New York, teaching first at the Kildonan School in Amenia, NY, and later at the Finger Lakes Residential Center in South Lansing, NY. His talent for working with disenfranchised, troubled teens, and young adults continued to shine. His next goal was to return to the Jamestown area, a place he always considered home.

Matt has many good friends who refer to him simply as “Green”. Practically inseparable, his tightly knit group of friends remained the same from their teenage years through to the present. Matt was extremely likeable, smart and had a great sense of humor. He also loved animals, occasionally taking in stray cats, helping them off the streets and into a healthy existence. His own cats, Finley and Baby, were cherished companions who kept him company during his years in Ithaca.

In addition to his passion for history and literature, Matt loved music of many genres–from rock to hip-hop–and had an impressive memory for songs and lyrics. He held a deep appreciation for architecture, antiques, and decorative arts. Perhaps his biggest passion, though, was sports. Along with Xavier basketball, he was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Buffalo Bandits, and he could recall player histories and statistics with remarkable ease. Watching games with him was always lively and entertaining, thanks to his sharp wit and humorous commentary. Brilliant and endlessly curious, Matt would have made an excellent Jeopardy! contestant.

Matt will be remembered for his kindness, unique character, intellect, and charm. His friends and family will always hear his voice in their memories–his lively dialogue, his humor, and the unmistakable way he expressed himself. He was truly a remarkable friend and brother, and he is missed every day. The world was a better place with Green in it.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha; his father, Lowell; his grandparents, Everton and Clara Sloan Green and Roy and Maude Tuten Wilfong; and his brother-in-law, Tim Field.

He is survived by his siblings: Deborah Field of Blockville, NY; Amy (Craig) Jensen of Buffalo, NY; and John Green of Arizona; his nieces Amanda (Stefan) Gallucci and Jaimie Green; his great-niece Clara Gallucci; and his great-nephew Vincent Gallucci.

A gathering to celebrate Matthew’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Tompkins County SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 OR Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 8494 US-20, Westfield, NY 14787