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Earle F.
Greenwood Jr.
Oct 14, 1946 — May 31, 2026
McDonald Keohane Funeral Home - South
9:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
McDonald Keohane Funeral Home - South
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Massachusetts National Cemetery
Starts at 1:45 pm (Eastern time)
Earle F. Greenwood Jr., of Carver, formerly of Dorchester, after a courageous six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, died peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Royal Nursing and Rehabilitation in Braintree. He was 79.
Earle was born in Quincy on October 14, 1946, and was the son of the late Earl F. and Gladys (Shea) Greenwood. He was raised in Dorchester where he attended local schools. After high school, Earle enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on August 21, 1967. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on August 20, 1971. Following his time in the service, Earle continued his education at Babson College, where he earned his undergraduate degree.
Earle was a quiet, steady presence, who was stoic by nature, yet effortlessly at ease with everyone around him. He had a rare gift for conversation, the kind of man who could talk about anything with anyone, and who made people feel comfortable simply by being himself.
Earle's life was shaped by two great loves. His second wife, Carol Smith, was a sweetheart from his furniture sales job in Brockton. A love story that began young and ended too soon with her passing. He later shared his life with Heather, and though their marriage ended in 2009, the friendship between them endured. Her death in 2018 was a loss he carried quietly.
A gifted artist, Earle had a deep love of drawing that stayed with him throughout his life. He was an avid reader, drawn especially to the fantasy world of Terry Brooks with The Shannara Saga holding a special place among his favorites. Movies were another passion, and he built an impressive collection of DVDs and VHS tapes that reflected a genuine love of film.
Music ran through everything he did. He loved to collect albums and had an ear for artists as wide-ranging as The Beatles, The Doors, The Beach Boys, and Gnarls Barkley. He could often be found dancing, and if there was one song that captured his spirit, it was "Twist and Shout." He was a proud member of a motorcycle club and rode a purple Harley that suited him perfectly.
On fall Sundays, you'd find Earle cheering on his beloved New England Patriots with the enthusiasm of a devoted fan. He was easygoing, genuine, and the kind of man who left every room a little better for having been in it. Throughout his life Earle was loved by so many. He was not only an excellent father to his two children, Wesley and Lillie, but he also became a father figure to many of Wesley's friends.
Earle is survived by his son, Wesley E. Greenwood of Carver, and his daughter Lillie Greenwood. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 9-11 AM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).
His funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11 AM in McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, Weymouth.
Services will conclude with interment and Coast Guard Military Honors in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at 1:45 PM.
DUE TO CEMETERY FLORAL RESTRICTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Earle’s name to the charitable organization of one’s choice.
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