Nov. 19, 1936 – Oct. 17, 2025
Longtime Palo Alto resident, William Ernest Green, 88, passed on Friday, Oct. 17 at home in the arms of his wife, Loretta, surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
Bill, as he was known, fled the snow in Rochester, New York and arrived in Palo Alto in 1971, satisfying his dreams of living in California.
He joined the legal staff of Boise Cascade, then a paper and forest products company with an office on University Avenue. Several years later, he established William E. Green & Associates on Hamilton Avenue where he practiced intellectual property, business, real estate and patent law. He frequently did legal work for non-profits and churches and refused to charge them. He continued in private practice until two years ago when he became ill with esophageal cancer.
Having been chairman of the Rochester Planning Commission, Bill jumped back into that work when he served on the Palo Alto Planning Commission. He was chair of the Palo Alto Red Cross and was elected to the National Red Cross Board of Governors.
Over the years, he also served on the National United Way board and the board of the Williams Company, a Tulsa energy corporation. He was also on the board of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, based in Silicon Valley, the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation and the planning board of the Gamble Garden Center.
Bill was a lifetime golfer, a member of the Stanford University Golf Course, and a devoted fan of track and field as well as a star runner on his college track team. He was also an enthusiastic jazz fan, listening for hours to musicians such as Miles Davis, Johnny Smith, Carmen McCrae and Dexter Gordon. He and Loretta traveled all over the world to track meets, jazz festivals and on ocean and river cruises.
He was born Nov. 19, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Rev. William E. Green and Edna Mann Green. He grew up in Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a BS in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. After several years as a chemist at US Steel, he changed course, applying to law school. Bill graduated from the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh where he served as editor of the Duquesne Law Review.
Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Loretta Martin Green; their daughters, Nicole and Lisa Green, their son Roderic Green (Tammy), seven grandchildren, and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by their son Bill, a 1980 track Olympian, who was fifth in the line of William Ernest Greens.
A celebration of his life will be held at UAMEZ (University AME Zion church) in Palo Alto on November 10 at 11am, where attendees are asked to dress casually in golf, jazz, San Francisco 49er, Pittsburgh Steeler or track and field memorabilia — Bill’s passions.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made by Zelle to the Bill Green Jr. Track and Field Scholarship which is being administered through the Peninsula Bay (CA) Links, Inc. Zelle: [email protected] (Please add: “Bill Green Track and Field Scholarship“ in the comments).
Bill was an amazing person.
I loved playing golf with him at Stanford back in the ‘70’s and’80’s. He was a keen intellect with and an amazing laugh and sense of humor.
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Loretta and his entire family.
He exemplified Stanford at a time when it was great!
RIP my friend! You had a great life and did so much for so many.
Your friend,
The Judge
Dear Loretta,
Such sadness to learn of Bill’s passing. You and Bill played such a valuable part in a wide range of events in our community and beyond.
My husband, Merrill, knew Bill through their mutual support of Red Cross over the years. I remember the loss of Bill Jr. We lost our Jennifer in 1997. I spoke to you, briefly, some time ago, when you were sharing a meal with other Channing residents. It would be an honor to have you consider Channing as a permeant residence.
In sympathy,
Lee Newman
Bill Green was a valued founding member of Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden and former member of our Board of Directors.
Bill served as Gamble’s first Board Treasurer from 1985 through 1989, establishing the financial structure and policies that continue to guide us today. His thoughtful leadership and commitment during those formative years helped lay the foundation for Gamble’s long-term sustainability and growth.
Bill was a supporter, a steady presence, and a true believer in Gamble’s mission to preserve and share this beautiful garden with the community. His legacy lives on in the many organizations he helped build and support.
Gamble Garden, our staff, Board and many volunteers, extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill’s family and friends.