Henry W. “Hank” Green, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Laguna Woods, California, on March 10, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by loved ones. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Hank lived a long and purposeful life defined by service, integrity, curiosity, and deep devotion to family.

From an early age he demonstrated leadership and civic engagement. As a student at Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Hank served as Senior Class President and was deeply involved in the YMCA Youth and Government program, where he was elected Governor of California within that program’s statewide student leadership model.

Hank attended the University of Southern California, earning his undergraduate degree in Education in 1954. At USC he distinguished himself as both an athlete and community member. In 1953 he received the USC Sam Barry Football Award for Most Inspirational Player, rowed on the crew team, and was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Following graduation, Hank began what would become a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Air Force, serving as a navigator, educator, trainer, program developer, and diplomat. His early assignments included service as a navigator for Pacific Island Transport at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu (1956–1960).

From 1962 to 1967, Hank served as an instructor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, teaching Political Science and International Affairs to future Air Force officers.

During the Vietnam War, he served with the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing “Bat Cats” (1967–1968), flying combat missions and earning five Combat Air Medals for Heroism, along with the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.

His leadership roles in the Air Force included commanding the Navigator Training Wing at Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, California (1968–1974) and leading the Air Force Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico (1974–1978).

Later assignments included serving as United States Military Attaché in La Paz, Bolivia (1979–1981) and Secretary of the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington, D.C. (1981–1984). He retired from the Air Force as a full colonel after three decades of dedicated service to his country.

Following his military retirement, Hank continued his lifelong commitment to education and community by teaching high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and later working in community relations in Oakland and Richmond, California.

At the center of Hank’s life was his beloved wife Joyce Green, to whom he was married for 65 years until her passing in 2019. Together they built a warm and welcoming home filled with curiosity, laughter, and shared adventure. Hank and Joyce were avid travelers who visited 32 countries, and over the course of his life Hank lived in 14 different places around the world.

Hank was an enthusiastic jogger and physical-fitness advocate decades before running became widely popular. He loved camping and backpacking, shared his life with eight beloved family dogs, and delighted in the simple pleasures of cookies and ice cream.

Family was the heart of his life. He was a devoted father to Robert Green (Sabrina Hamel Green), Michael Green (Maryellen Boczar Green), and Sharon Green (Richard Magarian), and a proud grandfather to Averie Green, Madeline Green, Aiden Magarian, Hailey Green, and Meredith Emerling (Eric Emerling).

A lifelong Episcopalian, Hank maintained a deep respect for many spiritual traditions. He was especially drawn to the teachings of the Buddha, often reflecting on their resonances with the teachings of Jesus.

Those who knew Hank remember him as loving, kind, open-minded, wise, and a man of unwavering integrity. His life reflected a quiet strength and generous spirit that touched many.

After ninety-four remarkable years, Hank’s journey came to a peaceful close at home, surrounded by the love that had defined his life. Whether serving his country, guiding students, traveling the world with Joyce, or creating joyful family holidays, he carried a spirit of generosity and respect that left a lasting mark on all who knew him: that a life lived with curiosity, compassion, and service becomes a gift that continues to unfold through the generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support the Saint George’s Church Unhoused Shelter and Refuge Support Fund in Laguna Woods, California (contact Joyce Swaving at 949-310-7762).