Stephan Green, 75, of West Stockbridge passed away on May 13, 2023, after living with Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years. He was surrounded by his family, whom he cherished.
Stephan was born on April 10, 1948. He was the youngest of four children born to Jeanette and Charles Green. Stephan grew up in Woodmere, N.Y. in the middle of the postwar baby boom. His neighborhood, full of potential playmates, was perfect for the energetic, creative, rambunctious child he was. He attended Lawrence High School and SUNY at Buffalo (BA in English Literature, 1970). After graduating, he traveled the U.S. and Europe, seeing the world and working as an itinerant carpenter, bartender, short order cook, among assorted occupations. He lived in Israel for several years, and it was there that it became clear to him that he needed to pursue architecture.
Returning to the U.S. in 1976, he attended and graduated from the Pratt Institute (BARCH, 1979) in Brooklyn, N.Y. He reconnected with a college crush, Beth Sack, whom he married in 1981. They had two sons and lived in New York City until moving to the house they built in the Berkshires in 1988. There, along with Alan Clark, he founded the architectural firm of Clark & Green Inc. in 1989 in Great Barrington. Over the years, the company grew into a center for design in the Berkshires.
Along with their many residential projects, they were responsible for major landmarks, including Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Community Access to the arts (CATA), the Great Barrington fire house, the Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield, the Elaine Bernstein Theater at Shakespeare & Company, and many others. Stephan took pride in them all, loved working hard on each, and made long-lasting friendships among his clients and co-workers. Architecture remained his passion throughout, up to and continuing beyond his retirement in October 2022. He made an indelible impact on the community that he loved so deeply.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and partner of 45 years, Beth Sack. His pride and joy were his sons, Zachary (spouse Jessica Hahn) and Ethan (spouse Paola Di Tolla), and his grandchildren, Benjamin, Ezra, and Silvana. In addition, he leaves others who meant so much to him: his sister, Marsha; his brother, Michael (spouse Marylou); and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He also leaves behind his constant canine companions, Lily and Homer, who gave him enormous pleasure every day.
The family will be at home on Thursday, May 25; Friday, May 26; and Sunday, May 28. They would be happy to welcome visitors between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m.
Donations in Stephan’s memory can be made to The Berkshire Humane Society, The People’s Pantry in Great Barrington, or HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
