For Ernest Cecil Greene Jr., who served in the Marines from 1970 to 1974, the motto “Once a Marine, always a Marine; death before dishonor” had lifelong importance.
Mr. Greene died last Thursday at Windmill Village in East Hampton. He was 72 and had been in good health.
He enjoyed boating, dancing, fishing, clamming, and getting together with friends, and had worked as a commercial fisherman, bartender, and truck driver, all on the South Fork. He was a member of American Legion Post 419 in Amagansett.
Mr. Greene was born in Southampton on June 2, 1951, to Ernest Cecil Greene Sr. and the former Audrey Mae Lynch. He grew up in East Hampton, graduating from high school here before being drafted into the military.
He is survived by two daughters, Amber Talmage and Emmie Greene of East Hampton, a grandson, Ryan Albano of East Hampton, and by three brothers, Gary Greene, Dale Greene of upstate New York, and Hal Greene of East Hampton.
Mr. Greene was cremated. A memorial will be held in June around his birthday.
His family has suggested contributions to American Legion Post 419 at P.O. Box 1343 East Hampton 11937.