Retired horseman Marvin M. Greene Sr. died May 22 of congestive heart failure at his Leesburg, Va., home. He was 84.
Greene, who served in the Coast Guard during World War II, started his training career in 1945. He trained stakes winners Ballet Rose and Fussy Lady. Another of his charges, Columncille, won 44 races under his command. Greene also played a role in the early development of 1959 Horse of the Year Sword Dancer.
In 1977, Greene became the farm manager of Bertram and Diana Firestone’s Catoctin Stud in Virginia. It was during Greene’s time at the farm that the Firestones’ Genuine Risk won the 1980 Kentucky Derby (gr. I).
Greene retired in 1987 but remained an active member of the horse community.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Betty, and children Betty, Monty, and Stilson. A nephew, Thomas “Tuck” Greene, is a trainer at Delaware Park.
Visitation will be held May 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg. Services will be held at the Leesburg Presbyterian Church May 28 at 11:00 a.m.
The family asks that donations be made to the Leesburg Rescue Squad.
