John M. Green

John Green, 78, of Oxford, passed away on July 26, 2020, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Beset with a myriad of health challenges during his final years, John bore them all with positivity and an indomitable spirit. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John’s loving presence, infectious smile, and can-do attitude will leave a tremendous void in the lives of not just his family, but all who knew him well. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joan; son Matthew Green (Paula), Oxford, OH; daughter Lee Anne Vitatoe (David), Virginia Beach, VA; granddaughters Valerie and Norah Green, Oxford, OH; and grandsons Nicolas and Luca Vitatoe, Virginia Beach, VA.

John Montgomery Green was born on February 10, 1942, in McCook, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wiley Green (1993) and Breta Naomi Green (nee Montgomery) (1980).

After graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a business degree in 1963, John entered the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, graduating in 1964. He proudly served on both active and reserve duty in the U.S. Navy for 28 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He also had the honor of swearing his brother-in-law Dana Christiansen into the Navy. Many years later he had the privilege of being the presiding officer at his daughter Lee Anne Vitatoe promotion ceremonies to the ranks of Commander and Captain in the U.S. Navy.

John’s 20-year career in the banking industry included stints at three Nebraska banks: First National Bank of Omaha, Havelock Bank of Lincoln, and as the president of Wauneta Falls Bank, which was founded by his grandfather. After moving to Oxford (OH) in 1987, John became the executive director of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. He later served as the CEO of the Phi Kappa Tau Foundation in Oxford.

Energetic and active, John passionately pursued a number of interests. As a born and bred Nebraskan, he was a loyal Cornhusker fan, private pilot and volunteer fireman. An active sportsman, his love of golf led him to help build and operate Oxford’s Indian Ridge Golf course. He enjoyed many hobbies with Joan, including a love of world travel, gardening and creating a bird habitat in their backyard. His devotion to his grandchildren and their pursuits brought a renewed energy to his life. From the time his oldest grandchild Valerie in toddler speak called him “Gump” instead of Grandpa the moniker stuck, and from then on the entire family and even close friends fondly called him “Gump.” 

John’s altruism was exemplified on many fronts. His love of country was reflected in his long Naval service. His staunch belief in mentorship was demonstrated in the First Tee golf program and recognition-worthy efforts with the fraternal world (Phi Kappa Tau Palm Award, National Interfraternity Conference Silver Medal Award, Phi Kappa Tau national president, and Fraternity Executives Association member). John and Joan were also privileged to host two foreign exchange students in their home. John’s community-building efforts took root in Oxford as a Rotary Club member (Past President and Rotarian of the Year). His distinctive qualities of leadership and volunteerism included a multitude of executive boards, including serving as the CEO of both the Knolls of Oxford and Maple Knoll of Cincinnati boards.

A Celebration of Life will take place at 2 pm (concluding at 3:30 pm with Military Honors) on Friday, July 31, 2020, at Ogle & Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Oxford, Ohio. Family and friends who wish to celebrate with the family via livestream can attend using THIS LINK or by clicking on http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/34096. 

Online condolences may be left at www.oglepaulyoungfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Phi Kappa Tau John M. Green Scholarship Fund, Hospice of Cincinnati or the McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital of Oxford, OH.

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