Joe Greenhoe Obituary

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Joe A. Greenhoe, 90, died Saturday, March 29 at his home in Dummerston, VT. He was born March 19, 1924 in Lansing, MI to Homer and Letha Mae Greenhoe.

He entered Michigan State University in 1942 and joined the Naval ROTC. He received officer training at Notre Dame and Columbia Universities before being shipped in 1945 to serve in the US Pacific fleet with the rank of Ensign. Joe was assigned to PC-461 class submarine chasers, attaining his own command in 1946. In 1950 Joe entered the Yale University School of Drama where he met Elizabeth Garfield. They were married in 1952.

In 1961 Joe was hired to teach drama at Dillard University, a private historically black college in New Orleans, LA. While at Dillard, he earned a PhD in Drama from Tulane University. He left New Orleans in 1968 to create the new theatre department at Windham College in Putney, VT.

In 1971 he founded the Windham Summer Repertory Theatre, a professional company that attracted actors and designers from across the country. To honor the bicentennial in 1976, Joe wrote "The Equivalent Lands", a play about the history of Dummerston and Putney at the time of the Revolutionary War. Many local people acted in the production including some descendants of actual characters in the play. The play was later revived to celebrate the 250th anniversaries of Dummerston and Putney, and directed by Elizabeth Greenhoe.

Joe is survived by his wife; a sister, Barbara Ann Leavitt of Lansing MI; three children, Eliza, of Dummerston, Barbara, of Bellows Falls, and Samuel, of Brooklyn, NY; and 5 grandchildren. The Ker-WESTERLUND FUNERAL HOME has been entrusted with arrangements. A graveside committal and open house will be held on May 24th.

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September 18, 2014

Rhonda Scott

I just happened to come across this and wish to send my condolences to Betty, Eliza, Barb, and Sam. Joe was my favorite professor when I was at Windham. I so enjoyed his keen observational powers, sense of humor,love for the theatre, his fundamental integrity and overall decency, and our treks through the backwoods of Vermont to find old cemeteries. Betty, you are a wonderful woman, pragmatic, kind and generous to the droves of students who invaded your home. It was great to see you, Joe, Eliza, and Barb at the Theatre group reunion four/five (?) years ago. I wish you and your family the very best always. With much affection,
Rhonda

April 15, 2014

Ann Suhrie

My deepest sympathy to you, Eliza and Sam, Barb and Betty. I have such fond memories of visiting you all and seeing Joe so many years ago. You are all in my heart.

April 8, 2014

To the Greenhoe Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many fond memories of Mr. Greenhoe growing up. I vividly remember being in the audience of The Equivalent Lands and appreciating the personal history he passed on to us. Peace be with you all.

Jeanette Hazelton Fairhurst
White Plains, NY

April 7, 2014

Therese Burdo

My condolences Betty, Eliza, Sam and Barb. The plays Joe put on at Windham College opened my eyes to the wonder of live theater- and all the hard work that went into a professional production. I remember night after night of sold out performances the summer I worked there. He truly made the community a better place.

April 5, 2014

Nancy Alexander

I remember Joe from my Windham days.... He WAS the theater department !!! My condolences to all .

April 5, 2014

Flo Nestor

So sorry for your loss.

April 3, 2014

tom truss

lisey and sam. I am sorry for your loss. Lori sent me your Dad's obituary. May memories of your father rise up - recent ones and old dusty ones - and may you get a chance to honor your Dad in a way that opens your hearts. My thoughts are with you. Warmly, Tommy T

April 3, 2014

Robert Rhodes

I was very sorry to learn about Joe's demise. He was a fine man, and I knew him at Windham College and attended almost every one of the plays he directed at the terrific Windham College Theatre Repertory in the 1960s and 1970s. My sympathy to his family and loved ones. Bob

April 3, 2014

Keely Knopp

My condolences go out to the Greenhoe Family. My grandmother Barbara (his sister), loved him dearly and will surely miss him. I have fond memories of visiting the Greenhoes in Putney many many years ago.

April 3, 2014

Elise, Our condlences.
Alison and David

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Funeral services provided by:

Ker Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium - Brattleboro

57 High St, Brattleboro, VT 05301

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