Michael Peter Greene, a physicist, educator, global development advocate, and lifelong musician, passed away on May 3, 2025, in Ithaca, New York, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 86 years old.

 

Born on June 20, 1938, in Brooklyn, NY, Michael’s life was defined by intellectual curiosity, a commitment to science, and a deep love of family, music, and exploration. He studied engineering physics at Cornell University and went on to earn a Ph.D. in solid state physics from the University of California, San Diego, as part of its first graduating class at the La Jolla campus.

 

Michael began his academic career teaching at the University of Maryland and spent a year in Peru as a Fulbright Fellow, an experience that sparked his dedication to international development. After working at Volunteers in Technical Assistance and the Organization of American States, he joined the staff of the National Academy of Sciences, where he worked for over 35 years. His career there focused on coordinating research grants in agriculture and global health—championing projects in areas such as malaria, amaranth, fast-growing trees, knowledge assessment, and maternal health. His work took him around the world, including a three-year residence in Indonesia, and influenced international sustainable development efforts. He was a strong believer in the importance of scientific collaboration. His efforts to bring Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian scientists together to work on water desalination brought him an honorary membership in the Palestinian Academy of Sciences.

 

Outside of his professional life, Michael was a passionate musician, especially dedicated to the Baroque flute and oboe. He played in ensembles and attended music camps across the globe, often practicing for hours each day.

 

Michael was married to J. Anne Sargent from 1963 until her death in 2014. Together, they raised kids, enjoyed Washington, D.C., read, danced, debated, and traveled the world – learning languages, taking pictures, and exploring above and below the surface of the ocean. In 2014, he moved to California to be closer to his daughter, Diana. There, in 2016, he met Gail Nanao, with whom he shared a joyful partnership marked by travel, friendship, and a shared love of art and music. In 2023, he moved to Ithaca, NY to be closer to his daughter, Lesley.

 

He is survived by his sweetheart Gail, his beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Lesley & Robbert and Diana & Seth, and five wonderful grandchildren: Anneke, Tanya, Christian, Noah, and Kaia. His legacy of curiosity, humor, and creativity will live on in his family and friends.

 

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on May 17, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Alzheimer’s Association.