Raymond R. Green, respected hospital human resources executive
Raymond R. Green of Milton passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, June 8, 2021, surrounded by family, following a long battle with numerous health issues. Ultimately, advanced lung cancer claimed its prize.
Ray was born in Appleton, Wis., on the leading edge of the baby boom in 1946, son of Robert L. and Leona F. Green. He was raised in nearby Kimberly, Wis., a small town made even smaller by the proliferation of aunts, uncles (his mother was one of 11 children) and numerous cousins. As the oldest of five, early on Ray developed the leadership, consensus building and conflict resolution skills that would become invaluable later in life. Ray showed an interest in music and became a drummer in his high school band, a talent that parlayed itself into a mid-‘60s rock and roll band, playing many local venues and openings for top 40 groups, such as Jay and the Americans. Following high school, Ray attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh but traded studies for nightly band gigs and was soon placed on academic probation. Without a student deferment, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1965, one day before being drafted into the army.
Ray commenced his naval career as a machinist mate on the USS Bache, an escort destroyer that cruised the Mediterranean during the Vietnam war. His tour on the Bache concluded when the ship was blown aground in a gale outside Rhodes, Greece in February 1968. Assigned to rescue and recovery detail, Ray was among the last to leave the soon-to-be-scuttled vessel, acquiring experiential storytelling material he deployed throughout the rest of his life. Ray went on to other assignments and saw the world during his naval service, which concluded with separation in 1969 and honorable discharge in 1971. Using the GI bill, Ray returned to the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh and successfully earned a bachelor of arts in manpower management/economics in 1972.
Ray launched his career in hospital human resources as employment manager at Jersey City (N.J.) Medical Center in 1973. Promoted to acting director of manpower and labor relations in 1975, he was subsequently recruited to staff the newly formed Riverside General Hospital (later known as Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center) in Secaucus, N.J., from its inception. Ray worked there for many years as director of human resources and vice president of administration. He prided himself on being highly visible and accessible to all employees, performing “management by walking around.” He organized countless employee activities, including trips to Europe and Hawaii. Ray formed numerous lifelong relationships at MHMC and notably met his wife, Eileen, while working there. Ray’s career continued at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., where he served as vice president of human resources; at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md., as senior vice president of human resources, and finally at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, N.J., where he was vice president of human resources and from which he retired in January 2011.
Throughout his career Ray was active in several professional associations: the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administrators (ASHHRA) and the Association of Hospital Human Resources Administrators (AHHRA), New York metropolitan chapter, for which he served on many committees. Ray was a multi-term president for both AHHRA’s northern metropolitan and south Jersey chapters. He was also a charter member and founder of the National Association of Healthcare Recruiters.
Following retirement, Ray devoted time to volunteering at Beebe Healthcare’s emergency department, which he enjoyed, and to the Reddenwood community homeowners association, where he served as board president among other positions.
In addition to his long and successful career, Ray will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, friend and neighbor. His hobbies included playing in the band, skiing all over the U.S. and in the French Alps, cooking, where he became known for his “Raymeals,” and all things craft beer, particularly Dogfish Head, his favorite. He was an avid NFL fan, both as a lifelong “Packer-backer” and a longtime, tortured season ticket holder for the New York Jets, when at times pregame tailgating was the best part. Ray was consistently approachable and always willing to provide fellowship, support, advice and guidance to all.
Ray was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; his sister, Kathy Puls; and his parents-in-law, Donald and Ann Harrison.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Eileen of Milton; brothers, Michael Green and Jeffery Green (Sarah Niebergall); sister, Mary Gerrits (Donald), all of Wisconsin; in-laws, Peter Harrison (Suzanne), Patricia Cury (Robert), Jeanne Cerri (Gustavo), Marian Harrison, Barbara Ryan (Jonathan), Janet Harrison and John Harrison (Ashley), all of New Jersey or Virginia; dear friends Joe and Pat Coyle of Ocean City, Md.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his adored canine companion, Fiona. Finally, he is survived by his beloved son, Zev M. Green of Teaneck, N.J., of whom he was most proud; his daughter-in-law, Ilissa; and cherished grandsons, Ari, Eitan and Yonatan Green, who will carry his legacy forward.
The family wishes to thank all their friends and neighbors who provided food, support and comfort during these past difficult weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory at www.beebehealthcare.org/beebe-medical-foundation/donate/memorial-gifts or by mail to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Tribute gifts can be designated to either the Tunnell Cancer Center or to the Beebe Medical Foundation.
Memorial services will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, Friday, June 11, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may pay their respects to the family during visitation times Thursday, June 10, from 3 to 5 p.m., or Friday, June 11, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
