Obituary Paul R. Greening

Paul R. Greening of Smithtown, New York, passed away on September 12, 2021, just days shy of his 60th birthday. He was the loving husband of Samantha Xiaochun, and the devoted and proud father of Katie Mei. Paul was the youngest child of Robert and Doris (both deceased), dear brother of Carol (John), Barbara (Paige), Jim (predeceased), and Peg, and beloved uncle of Lauren, John, and Michelle.

Paul was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984. He was an outdoor adventurist and enjoyed many activities with family and friends, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and years of double black diamond skiing until he broke his collar bone and six ribs on a bunny hill. Paul had a passion for woodworking and created in his home shop many beautiful, finely detailed and exquisite wood projects. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and his famous smoked ribs, deep fried turkeys, and organic garden vegetables will be truly missed by many.

In addition to his many hobbies, Paul enjoyed immensely his full-time job as a stay-home dad. He introduced Katie to hiking at just two months old (in a backpack), camping at ten months old, skiing at the age of two, and kayaking at the age of five. Even though he had sworn he would never be a “soccer mom”, he ended up being an assistant coach on Katie’s soccer team. His best Father’s Day was a recent trip to Pennsylvania – driving back and forth for NINE HOURS – for a THREE MINUTE figure skating competition routine. As he PROUDLY watched Katie grow and achieve many accomplishments, he never forgot to remind her to pursue what makes her happy in life.

Paul met Samantha in a ski club, and their shared passion for skiing and outdoor exploration took them (and Katie) on many wonderful trips together: Vail (Colorado), Park City (Utah), Aleyeska (Alaska), Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia), Zion National Park (Utah), Banff National Park (Canada), Paris, and just two weeks ago, Iceland. The beautiful memories created from these trips will be cherished forever.

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.” Paul will be missed dearly and will be forever in our hearts.

Private Cremation: Arrangements entrusted to the professional care of Branch Funeral Home of Smithtown and Vigliante family.Online guest book at www.branchfh.com