Larry D. Greene, 81, of Melrose Park, formerly of Oak Park, died at home on April 14, 2022, with his wife, Aiko, by his side. He lived by his faith and an outward love for life. Attending Oak Park and River Forest High School, he graduated in 1959 before going on to serve as a helicopter mechanic in Germany during the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1965. As fate would have it, he would soon meet a very special Japanese woman named Aiko Takada. With only two weeks together in Chicago, he made sure Aiko felt at home before moving back to Japan. His kind gesture helped foster a love that would withstand a distance of two years. After incredible patience, countless letters exchanged, and a surprise phone call proposal, he and Aiko reunited in Chicago where they were married on Dec. 16, 1978. Residing in Oak Park, he continued his work at Western Electric (AT&T) until he retired in 1990. They moved one last time to their final home in Melrose Park.
An avid fisherman, astute hunter, decorated bowler and die-hard White Sox fan, he was a Sunday school volunteer and devoted member of Judson Church in Oak Park. He traveled the world with his wife by his side. He kept family close and his knack for casinos closer. His nieces and nephews had the privilege to grow up under his enthusiasm, love, and unrivaled clumsiness. A man of character and spontaneity, he served as a constant reminder that life’s most precious treasures can be found in the simplest moments. Every day with him was, in his own words, “a winner” — and because of that, we all hit the jackpot.
Larry Greene was the husband of Aiko Greene, brother of Tom (Jayne) Greene, Joann (late Louis) Cipparrone, and the late Darrill (Brenda) Greene, and the uncle to many.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21 at Peterson-Bassi Funeral Home, 6938 W. North Ave., Chicago 60707, from 3-8 p.m. Final viewing will take place on Friday, April 22 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by the funeral service at Judson Baptist Church, 1252 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park 60302 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Judson Baptist Church, https://judsonoakpark.com/give