ROCKLAND — James Laurence "Laurie" Greene, 83, died on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Woodlands Memory Care Center in Rockland where he had resided for the past four years. Born in Salem, Massachusetts on March 10, 1935, he was the son of James C. and Ada M. (Hurd) Greene. Laurie achieved the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout as a teenager. He was a graduate of Danvers High School and received an Associate's degree at Lowell Technical Institute in tanning.

Laurie worked at leather tanneries in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts most of his life. From 1969 until 1972, he worked for the Boston and Maine Railroad as a conductor and ended his career as a color consultant for Keystone Aniline Dye Corp.

Laurie's hobbies included woodcarving, oil painting, and fishing trips to Moosehead Lake with his father, brother and sons. Walking through the woods and spending time enjoying nature was his favorite thing to do as well as mountain climbing in his younger days.

Surviving is his long-time companion and caregiver, Barbara Forti of Rockport; his six children, Holly Greene Alto and her husband, Harvey of Gloucester, MA, Daniel Greene of Taunton, MA; Frederick Greene of FL; Melanie Greene of Norfolk, VA; Christopher Greene and his wife, Becca of Cape Coral, FL; Marcie Green of Bangor; one brother, Tony Greene and his wife, Lynn of Boston; three sisters, Janice Long and her husband, Tim of Milton, NH; Diane Rollins of Atlanta, GA; and Ellen O'Connor and her husband, David, of Warren, RI; 18 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Laurie had a struggle with alcohol in his early years. He found recovery and shared his sobriety with many others. He had an open house 24/7 for those who wanted support, and went through gallons of coffee every week at his house in Rockland during the 1980's.

There are no services planned at this time and interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. If desired memorial gifts may be made to the Camden Area District Nursing Association. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.