John Greene, SCN Hall of Famer and sales director at New Era Technology U.S., has died after a battle with cancer. Greene, 63, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Greene began his AV career at technology distributor Peirce Phelps, where he spent his early years building television studios. From there, he went on to work at JVC Professional, and later, Total Video Products.
Greene joined Advanced AV in 2006, and the company was acquired by New Era Technology—ranked at no. 12 on the 2020 SCN Top 50 list—in 2018.
"John was a beloved member of our New Era family, and he brought great wisdom and support to all that crossed his path," said Michael Boettcher, president, Video Collaboration – U.S., New Era Technology. "No matter the circumstance, John had a way about him that made you smile, laugh, or simply feel better than you did the minute prior. We are very fortunate to have had John in our lives and we will miss him greatly."
Greene, a passionate mentor to many, was an avid supporter of the AVIXA Women's Council and the AVIXA Diversity Council.
A visitation will be held Friday, May 21 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. followed by his funeral mass at 1:30 p.m.; both will be hosted at St. Dorothy’s Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, PA; Renee’s Rescues; or Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center .
In a tribute to Greene, we asked AV professionals to share their thoughts on and memories of Greene—here is what they have to say.
Tim Albright, CEO and Founder, AVNation
John was a constant champion for passing on wisdom and knowledge to the next generations. He was one of those people who could light up a room or make your day with a text or call. I have been made better for knowing him.
Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, CEO, BAM! Marketing & PR Agency
Have you ever had a person in your life that was a positive role model, someone always there to lift you up, and help you navigate murky waters? That was John Greene for me. I—like many, I’m certain—am struggling to find the words to properly express what he meant. I recall a special note from John when I became the AVIXA Women’s Council Chair. In it he said, “Congratulations, our industry is so blessed with remarkable people like you!” I can only echo the same sentiment now. Rest in paradise my friend, I hope to do you proud!
Christa Bender, CTS, Client Services Manager, Pivot Communications
John was a people person, which made him a great friend, coworker, and boss. My two favorite things about John were his laugh and his ability to listen. He would take the time to listen to you, even when you probably made him miss dinner (I'm sure I'm guilty of John missing dinner many nights). John would let you have the floor and air your grievances, and then when you were finished talking his ear off, he'd provide his insight. When John saw the potential for people, he'd help guide them to enable them to reach their full potential. I recall when John was my boss and gave me extra responsibilities that no one previously gave me, and that I didn't think to ask for. And those responsibilities fit in my wheelhouse, I could totally handle them and would not have known that if I didn't have that gentle push from John. I could literally talk all night about my John stories, but I know I'm not the only person positively affected by him. He will be missed.
Eric Bixler, National Director of AV Solutions, New Era Technology
Last Thursday, I lost the most impactful professional of my career when Mr. John Greene lost his heroic fight with cancer. What made John stand out was how genuine John was with everyone he interacted with. No matter if it was his genuine caring of the people around him, always making sure they were okay, compassion was at his core of who he was as a man. His support of others did not stop at New Era. His efforts to promote and expand the diversity of women in the AV industry was a passion that paid off with great success at New Era and across the industry. Through witnessing John’s passion for making others around him better, achieving more, and prospering in a process that has made me a better person. To Linda and Family, you will never know how many people John helped and made smile through the years—his impact will live on forever.
Michael Boettcher, President, Video Collaboration Division – U.S., New Era Technology
John had an anecdotal story for every situation…he was a walking Seinfeld episode. You went to him with an issue, and he had advice, support, and a laugh all at the ready. John had a way to connect with everyone, us old folks and the newbies. I called him our industry’s oldest millennial, usually spending hours at the end of a day posting on social media. He usually finished in the top three of every social contest during an event. John was a beloved member of our New Era family, and he brought great wisdom and support to all that crossed his path. We are very fortunate to have had John in our lives, and we will miss him greatly.
Cindy Davis, Contributing Editor, AV Technology Magazine
My heart breaks at the loss of John Greene from our AV community. He was one of the kindest men in our industry. During an AV/IT Summit a few years ago, John went out of his way to tell me that he enjoyed reading my articles. If you caught his eye at a busy event, you knew he was commiserating and always made you smile. I will miss him.
Margot Douaihy, Ph.D., Contributor, AV Technology and Systems Contractor News
Big-hearted, energetic, fun—John Greene was such a bright light. What a warm, generous, and caring person (and personality). Whenever I interviewed him for an article, or saw him on a show floor, he always made time to ask how I was, what I was reading or writing. I absolutely loved being in John's presence. How lucky I am to have known him. A true original!
Megan A. Dutta, Content Director, Systems Contractor News
John was one of the kindest souls I've ever met. When I started at SCN, he embraced me with open arms. He was always there to lend a helping hand, encourage me, and share his wealth of knowledge. He touched so many people's lives, leaving the world a better place than he found it ... and you can't say that about many people. The AV industry lost a bright light, and my thoughts are with his family, friends, and the rest of the AV community.
George V. Fournier Jr., CTS
I am completely beside myself at the loss of John Greene. He was an inspiration and a mentor, but above all, a true friend. One of the inspirations for @AVGivesBack, John will be sorely missed. God bless you, friend.
Maureen Gochenauer, Purchasing Manager, New Era Technology
John was the ultimate cheerleader, and he saw good things in others than they did not recognize themselves. When an opportunity presented itself, he was the first person to push me towards the goal. John’s door was always open, and we often talked about family. I remember when my daughter wanted a dog for the longest time (and John knew it), he took to social media, and would post #getmeganadog to support her cause. And when we got the dog, we brought her to his office, and he played with her. John was not just my manager. He was my source of wisdom, my confidant, my cheerleader, my mentor. But ultimately, he was my friend.
Steve Greenblatt, President, Control Concepts
I am so saddened by the news of John's passing. Aside from his mastery of Twitter, he was an uplifting person, respected business professional, and all-around great guy! He will be missed and remembered for many years to come.
Tory Holmwood, Senior Account Executive, New Era Technology
John was the most unique, kind, loving, smart, savvy, funny, and endearing man I have ever known. His whole body would move when he laughed, and you couldn’t help but laugh with him. It was my goal in every conversation to get that laugh—that laugh made everything okay. John was a true mentor—he wanted everyone he cared about to be happy and successful and fulfilled in every way possible. He made every day feel special and significant and he always made me feel special and significant. Everything good that I am as a professional has been curated by and with him. And he would never take credit for any of it.
Luke Jordan, CTS-I, Vice President and Co-Steward, Electro Acoustics
John Greene was a wonderful, fun, and encouraging friend. He always had a quick comment and a great smile and made you feel important and welcome as you walked into the room. Working together on the AVIXA System Integrators Council, I was unqualified to lead the group at the time, but he was quick to provide guidance and lend out a helping hand on whatever project we were working on. It’s not every day that someone of John’s skill and qualifications so freely gives to others, and that’s why this world and industry will not be the same.
Colleen Leskowich, Senior Inside Sales Specialist, New Era Technology
It is not possible for me to put into writing all the greatness of John Greene—it would be an unfinished novel because I could always remember something else. His laugh. First and foremost, his Muttley laugh. This sound was often heard in our building, and it was contagious. His way. Anyone that knew John knows what I mean. He just was a great person. As a boss, John was the best you could hope for. I feel so lucky to have worked with him all these years. He never once stopped me for being “me.” He knew us all so well. John did this for each of us—he knew what we needed to thrive, and we did! I give John Greene credit for my professional development and for making me into the businessperson I am today. Rest in peace, John! I love you!
Jay B. Myers, President, JBM Enterprises
John was such a fun and engaging guy who had a wicked sense of humor. I’ll always remember the fun we had at USAV meetings and various conferences through the years seeing who could send out the most tweets.
Hope Roth, Lead Programmer, Riordan Brothers Integration
John Greene was one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. When I met him at my very first InfoComm, he bought me lunch... not because he was hoping to sell me something, but because he figured out that I was going to have a hard time paying for it. He would schedule business trips around AVIXA Women's Council events in order to attend and show his support. I watched him quietly take countless people aside to tell them that he thought they'd said something brilliant online, or to commiserate if he sensed that they were having a hard time. We have lost a true luminary.
Gina Sansivero, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications, AtlasIED
I love John so much, and this loss is heavy. I remember his smile, his love of people, his love of family, and his love of all things canine. John was selfless, and always lifted those around him. He was also honest and humble, making others better by leading with those attributes. I have a feeling he knows how much he meant to this industry, to me. And that is what I am choosing to focus on, because I will let John (and the memory of his carrot) live on through my actions, in the way he taught me.
Cory Schaeffer, Director—Alliances and Market Development, QSC
John Greene was sincere, kind, authentic, fun, and a kind friend to many. During InfoComm 2019, I went to a karaoke bar to celebrate SCN's The Nine and for AVRaoke. I knew Greene would be there—yet I showed up and he was nowhere to be found. I stepped out and called him, and I asked “Greene, where are you?” He had just left and I said “Get back here… I’m the oldest person here, and I need you.” He laughed, we reconnected away from the sound of karaoke, got caught up, and had many laughs. He always made the effort to connect with me. He inspired me, he motivated me, and he supported me. He was a huge supporter of women in our industry, of diversity, and of younger people. He loved our industry, and he brought joy into everything he did. I remember the photo of him dressed up as an elf during the holidays, and he often sent me photos of his dogs dressed up in some fun costume. When the power went out one year during a storm, he sent a photo of the dogs wearing headlamps. The past year and a half were difficult for him, yet he still took time to check in. He was always positive—always. The world lost an amazing man and many of us lost a dear friend.
Paul Schneider, Vice President of Operations, New Era Technology
John was one of the greatest human beings I will ever have the pleasure of calling my friend! He was a phenomenal mentor and trusted confidant. He was a strong personality in our organization and a giant in the industry. I always marveled at John’s ability to find something in common and make a connection with everyone he met, no matter where he went. He could walk into a room full of people he never met and would walk away with a friend or two that he would have for years to come because he had an uncanny way of making people feel comfortable, making them laugh, and mostly making them feel important. He loved his family enormously and had a passion for life, living every moment to its fullest. The world was a better place with him in it, and there will never be another one like him.
Charmaine Torruella, Global Services Manager, Verrex
John exhibited such candor in his work that he was such a respectable source and guide in navigating the nuances of AV. He will be missed!
Patty Wanzer, CTS, President, Synigize
With deep sorrow, I learned the passing of my dear, AV friend, John Greene. My thoughts quickly flurried with fond, fun-filled memories of trade shows, committee meetings, and project case studies we worked together on or just plain chatter—always chocked full of laughter ... and our fond love of dogs we shared. RIP my friend, you will greatly be missed.
