The Faculty of Arts & Science community is mourning the loss of former dean and English professor, Robert A. Greene, who passed away March 24, 2025, at the age of 93.
Greene’s distinguished career at the University of Toronto included serving as a faculty member of the English department from 1958-1980, as well as dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science from 1972-1977.
His academic research explored the language of natural law, Thomas Hobbes as well as the ideas of the Cambridge Platonists — a group of 17th-century English philosophers and Christian theologians at the University of Cambridge known for their attempts to reconcile Christian ethics with Renaissance humanism, religion with science, and faith with rationality.
Greene’s legacy at the University of Toronto is reflected in his leadership during a period of significant transformation. He helped navigate funding challenges, restructured the university’s governance, and played a key role in redefining the relationship between the university and its Federated Colleges.
His efforts also led to the development of new academic programs that provided greater coherence to the undergraduate curriculum, setting the stage for the modernization of the faculty, and leaving a lasting impact on the institution's direction.
Greene was no less active outside of his research and teaching — with many interests and enthusiasms. He loved books, theatre, and classical music, and found great joy in his 50s in assuming the role of head chef in the family kitchen.
He dabbled in woodworking and enjoyed photography, and was always up for a game of Scrabble or watching the Red Sox. He was fond of tennis but even better at ping-pong and he was a master in the art of conversation and letter-writing.
He will be remembered for his humour, patience and his limitless interest in the world and people around him. His calm and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Greene leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Mary (Mahoney); his son, Robert; daughters, Helen and Priscilla; and son-in-law, Chris. He was predeceased by his son, Merrill.
He was an engaged and devoted grandfather to Samuel, Neil, Lucinda and Dorothy, and always delighted in hearing of their endeavours. The books, letters and clippings he was so fond of sending were a testament to this.
Greene received his PhD in English from Harvard University in 1961 and was a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Boston at the time of his death.