ALBANY- Ernest "Ernie" Michael Green passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021 after a brief illness. Ernie was born on October 21, 1945, in Monticello, New York.
He was a true renaissance man with a deep appreciation and understanding of nature, history, and the arts. In large part, these deep connections were an outgrowth of his earlier education at St. Joseph's Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, NY, where his curriculum included classical studies with Greek and Latin as core subjects. He attended Siena College, and he held a Masters Degree in Science. In 1967, Ernie enlisted in the Air Force upon graduating from Siena College. During his time with the military, Ernie held the rank of Staff Sergeant as part of the 6910th security division, where he used his skills as a Russian linguist.
After leaving the military, Ernie was a microbiologist with the Public Health Research Institute at the New York City Department of Health. There, he headed a project funded by the National Institutes of Health, which developed the pivotal animal model that led to the discovery of Kuru disease, the first described prion disease. This groundbreaking work led to Dr. Carlton Gajdusek winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1976.
Ernie worked as a public servant for many years, a role in which he was beloved by the many people he fought for and served. This work included serving as a longstanding volunteer fireman, Fire District Commissioner, Town of Wallkill Councilman, Orange County Legislator, and the Majority Leader of the Republican Party.
Most recently he was the Founder and CEO of BREONICS, Inc. Prior to that he served as Vice President and Director of Facilities & Regulatory Compliance for Alliance Pharmaceutical Corporation. Ernie was also a Founder & Director of Otisville Biotech, Inc. where he was instrumental in accomplishing a successful IPO for the company in 1984.
He was pre-deceased by his parents James Kenneth "Ken" Green and Josephine Green of Woodbourne, NY/Fort Lauderdale, FL. Ernie is survived by his wife, Lauren Brasile, his daughters, Tina Green (Christopher Corry), Tracy Scheuering (Robert), and Breean Stubenitsky-Brasile (Bart Stubenitsky).
Due to the current pandemic we will be delaying services for Ernie Green. Celebration of Life services will be announced at a later time.
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