Obituary of Earl L. Greaves

Funeral Services at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH

Portsmouth - Earl L. Greaves, affectionately known as “Skip”, 85, of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 27, 2024. He was born on February 25, 1939, in Bethlehem, PA, to the late Jack and Anne (Stotler) Greaves.

Skip graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA in 1957, earned a bachelor's degree from Springfield College and a master's degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. From his early days as a camp counselor at the YMCA to his tenure as the Director of the YMCA in Woburn and then Lynn, MA, Skip's career exemplified his passion for community service and youth development. Following his many years with the YMCA, Skip founded his own successful handyman company, “Skip at Your Service”, in Woburn, MA.

Skip was also deeply involved in various hobbies and interests. He found joy in many outdoor activities such as golfing, camping, hiking, and canoeing, and had a passion for solving jigsaw puzzles. In 1976, Skip and his family created lasting memories during a 5 week cross-country trip in the family car, towing a 14 foot travel trailer—a cherished journey that epitomized his love for adventure and family. He was a long-time member of the Young Chiefs, a special YMCA group that held a significant place in his heart since his teenage years, where he camped and canoed with lifelong friends at Lake Temegami in Ontario Canada. He was a Past Master at Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge in Woburn, Ma, and was Captain of the Motor Patrol at the Aleppo Shriners in Wilmington, MA.

Skip married his best friend and soul-mate Carole in 1987. They enjoyed traveling together, including a memorable trip to Scotland. He and Carole loved hosting family gatherings and were always ready to fill your plate with food, your glass with a drink, and your ears with their laughter. Skip was always upbeat and positive throughout his life, even in the midst of his battle with ALS. Carole’s steadfast compassion, love and care sustained him through the journey.

Skip leaves his loving wife Carole, his children, David Greaves (wife Stephanie) of Little Rock, AR, Douglas Greaves (wife Janice) of Burlington, MA, and Susan Swan and her partner Anthony Ciampo of Wakefield, MA. He also leaves his brother Craig Greaves (wife Barbara), and grandchildren Kevin (wife Jenna), Sarah, Andrew, Stephen, Taylor, Matthew, and Courtney, as well as great-grandchildren Abigail and Callie, many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Scott Swan in 1993.

The family would like to thank the Cornerstone Hospice VNA team for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 1 PM to 3 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home immediately following visitation. Donations in his memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (https://ccals.org/donate/?donateto=14389) or by mailing a check made payable to CCALS to CCALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or to Aleppo Shriners, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington, MA 01887.