Michael Roy Green, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and community leader, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 73 in Fayetteville, NC, the city where he was born and raised. Born on December 29, 1950, he exemplified the highest values of generosity, leadership, and selflessness, leaving a lasting legacy in both his personal and professional life.

What Michael loved most was his childhood sweetheart, Lynette Szabo Green, who was his best friend, the love of his life, and his partner in everything.  They met on a trip to Israel at age 17 and were together ever since.  Michael was a true mensch, known for his unwavering kindness, determination, and his lifelong commitment to family and community. He believed deeply in the principle of B’tzelem Elokim, treating every person with the respect and care deserved as beings created in G-d’s image. Whether leading services at Beth Israel Congregation or preparing extra seats for guests at holiday dinners, Michael made sure no one was left out. His dedication to serving others was most evident during Jewish and non-Jewish holidays alike. For many years, he volunteered at the Salvation Army, donned a Santa Claus suit to collect donations, and served meals to those in need.  Whether it was a close relative or someone he was meeting for the first time, he knew how to put others at ease with his humor and playfulness.

Michael graduated from Fayetteville High School and North Carolina State University with a degree in Engineering. He dedicated over 50 years to his family’s business, Cohen & Green Salvage Company, where he worked with his brother Ronald to expand the operation across multiple locations in Fayetteville, Lumberton, and Raeford. Their work provided livelihoods for over 100 employees and contributed to the community's economic growth.

Michael’s service to his community extended far beyond his business. He served on numerous boards and was an active civic leader throughout his life:

Beth Israel Congregation
Cape Fear Industries
Cumberland County Business Council (Recipient of the Al Prewitt Economic Visionary Award)
Fayetteville Rotary Club
Fayetteville Area Economic Development Corporation
Friends of the Cancer Center, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
North Carolina Beautiful
Pope Air Force Base Special Activities Committee
Salvation Army
Jewish Federations of North America
America Israel Public Affairs Committee
In many of these roles, Michael rose to the position of Chair or Vice Chair, always leading with his heart and a deep sense of responsibility. He and his wife, Lyn, were also honored independently with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award.

In his personal time, Michael enjoyed golfing, volunteering, reading and playing Rummikub and Uno with his grandchildren, and spending time with his close friends, especially those in his forum group of recycling industry colleagues. His passion for helping others was evident in everything he did, whether it was fixing something that was broken or mentoring the next generation of community leaders.  

Michael is survived by his wife, Lynette (Lyn) Szabo Green; his sons, Jared Mark Green (Sandy Schlenoff Green) and Steven Joshua Green (Alana Zavett Green); his grandchildren, Zev Benjamin Green, Avi Max Green, Sasha Ellis Green, and Zoey Maya Green; his sister, Linda Green Bradley; and his brother, Ronald Green (Kaye Green). He was predeceased by his parents, Hans (John) Green and Ursula Cohen Green, and his brother Jeffrey Green.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Sunday, October 6th, at Beth Israel Congregation, followed by a graveside service at Cross Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Beth Israel Congregation at memory of Michael Green.

Michael’s legacy of love, leadership, and service will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.