There are condolences waiting approval on Gary's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Gary David Green, Sr.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Gary.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Gary David Green, Sr.
A Celebration of Gary's life will occur on Friday, September 24, 2021 at
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas 6361 Lancaster Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19151
Viewing: 9:30 am Service: 11 am
We request family and friends who prefer to send plants or flowers to coordinate with one of the following reliable local florists:...
A livestream service will be available for David. Please COPY or TYPE the following link to access the LIVESTREAM.
http://www.aecst.org/funeral.htm
The Obituary
Those we love must someday pass a beyond our present sight...they must leave us and the world we know, without their radiant fight…
Gary David Green was born April 20, 1974 to his parents Jazelle Green and his late father Derrick Upshaw. This union created two children including his sister Gina D. Upshaw-McCalop.
His mother remarried Curtis Jones Jr. and started a blended family. Curtis affectionately became Dad and we became one blended family with his brother Curtis Jr. and his sister Kasie.
Gary graduated from Lamberton High School in 1992 and attended Delaware State University and Lincoln University. He enlisted in the United States Airforce and was his squad leader. He hated flying but found his job as a mechanical engineer on his stealth bomber rewarding. He has travelled the world having lived in Germany, Hawaii, New Mexico and Texas.
He found his niche in the field of social services. He was instrumental in bringing a multi-million dollar McArthur Foundation grant to the city. He worked for the City of Philadelphia in multiple capacities and favored the Fatherhood Enrichment Program under the Mayor”s Office of Community Services. He taught fathers how to gain confidence and valuable parenting skills needed to become a great Dad as he is a Dad of six children who he loved with his whole heart. They each gave him something different and he cherished the time spent with them. He prided himself on delivering services and training to pre and post release, non-custodial fathers who are committed to reunifying with their families. As the Executive Director of the Fatherhood Initiative, it was his responsibility to oversee a comprehensive and holistic program that made fathers self-sufficient. Gary was very experienced in workforce development, re-entry programs, recidivism, housing and job placement. Gary was extremely proud of his work with the Ex-Offenders Program. This program offered Adult Literacy, Job Readiness, Case Management, Child Support Assistance, Criminal Record Expungement, Outreach Services and Financial Literacy. He was currently working on an Affordable Housing Program which would benefit low income families.
Gary was very adventurous, however, he was a homebody as well. He loved to cook for his family, play pool, watch movies, especially karate movies, he listened to rap music and his favorite artists were Jay-Z, Judakiss and a group called The Lox. He loved playing NBA 2K all night while eating his fav - sunflower seeds and faithfully watched his birds - the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gary volunteered on numerous political campaigns, however, he was proudest of his Dad’s, Curtis Jones Jr.’s run for the 4th Council District race. During this time, he learned of his Sarcodosis illness. He suffered lung and liver damage but tried his best to walk the campaign, do literature drops and attend meetings. Gary fought a valiant fight against this illness until the very end. Gary was truly a fighter and never gave up. He passed peacefully surrounded by his Dad, Mother, Sister, Fiancè Sheree, Leslie and Son Gary Jr.
He is preceded in death by his father Derrick Upshaw and his sister Khadijah Wood.
Gary was engaged to and survived by his finacé Sheree Walker. Gary is also survived by his parents Curtis and Jazelle Jones. He was the proud father of and survived by his six beautiful children: Deneé Green, Kristopher Moore, Gary Green, Jr, Jordan Moore, Janna Wynn and Nasir Walker. Gary is survived by his siblings Gina Upshaw-McCalop, Curtis Jones, Jr., Kasie Jones, Jamilah Wood, Tauheed Wood, Danisha Smith, Deron Smith and Jaleel Brown.
Gary also leaves to mourn his Grandmothers, Carolyn A. Lee and Alma O. Sanford and Grandfather Robert Upshaw. Aunts: Yvette Duperon, Karen Lewis, Valerie Hebert, Carolyn Johnson, Elaina Green and Donna Wright. Uncles: Robert C. Green, Darrell Upshaw, Dwayne Upshaw and Joey Upshaw. Gary has a very large family including a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.
