More detail on this person: Thomas Paul
Greenlee, LT, HC-1 Det 25, 7/29/1966 to 2/11/1966,
later became Plank Owner, HA(L)-3 Det 3,
2/11/1966 to 7/18/1967, also flew with HA(L)-3 Det
1.
Obituary for Thomas Paul Greenlee, October 7,
1939 - March 9, 2017
A big personality with a love for his family,
friends and life, Tom Greenlee, formerly of
Tionesta PA died Thursday, March 9, 2017 after a
long struggle with the after effects of Agent
Orange exposure during his tours in Viet Nam.
Tom was born in Pittsburgh, the second of nine
children of Dr. Daniel Paul and Audrey Greenlee,
and grew up in Waynesburg. After graduating from
Penn State in 1962 with a degree in Zoology and
Entomology, Tom entered pilot training in the Navy
and served as a helicopter pilot in the elite
helicopter squadron known as the U.S. Navy
Seawolves. With his extraordinary flying skills,
he later qualified and served as a carrier pilot
and also flew as an instructor pilot for the Air
Force. His service earned him two Distinguished
Flying Crosses and 32 Air Medals. He also flew
with the U. S. Army National Guard after
completing 10 years of active duty including three
tours in Viet Nam.
Tom's love of the outdoors was foremost throughout
his life. After military service he moved to
Tionesta and opened the Forest County Sports
Center. His friend Mike Boyle reminisces that the
Sports Center was a really big store with a big
reach in a small town. Having quality products
from Orvis and Pendleton available along with
Tom's knowledge of hunting and fishing, and his
intriguing stories, gave the store a reach and
attraction and stature belied by its size and
location. Out of state licenses were often seen in
front of the store.
His daughter Erin calls him a gentle giant whose
life rivaled a fictional action hero's_it's harrd
to believe one person lived a life so completely
and fearlessly. He loved, laughed and lived
passionately.
During his time in Tionesta Tom served as a
probation officer for Forest County and as mayor
of Tionesta. He also served as a Commissioner for
the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
After retiring Tom and his wife Martha moved to
Baskerville VA and continued their love of the
outdoors. Tom pursued his interest in developing
their farm for quail habitat and loved spending
hours on the tractor. Martha tells us âÇoWhile a
bird hunter first, Tom was always supportive of my
interest in field trialing and helped me train a
lot of Brittany's. He enjoyed scouting dogs on his
horse Concho and riding in the gallery to watch a
good dog performance; but nothing filled him with
joy as much as playing with little puppies. AKC
Pointing Breeds Gun Dog Champion Piney Run Lily
was his favorite.
Tom is survived by his wife Martha Greenlee, his
children Erin Greenlee (Rob O'Donnell) of
Huntersville NC, his son Jason Greenlee of
Youngsville PA and his grandchildren Reilley
O'Donnell and Eamon O'Donnell. Also surviving are
his siblings Janet Rohanna, Betsy Greenlee, Nancy
Jackson, Mary Jane Markle, Paula Greenlee, John
Greenlee and Marte Dobosh.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his
brother William.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Sunday
March 26 at Farrar Funeral Chapel in South Hill
VA.Online condolences may be placed at
www.farrarfuneralhome.net
The family suggests memorial considerations be
made to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, 2570
Blvd. of the Generals, Ste 124, Norristown, PA
19403.
I know he received more than this, but this was
all I could confirm right now just based on his
File#: 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 32 Air
Medals (Strike/Flight), Navy & Marine Corps
Commendation Medal (Combat V)
From: Dan Arnes
This information was last updated 03/17/2017
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association