Leroy T Greenidge

Leroy Terrence Greenidge was the first son born to Leroy Greenidge and Leola White Greenidge on November 30, 1965. Although born of this union, Leroy Greenidge was raised and nurtured by his loving bonus dad, Samuel Matthews. Leroy was affectionately known as “Tu-Tu” until age 3. At that time “Terry,” became the family nickname for him.

Sam stepped in and raised both children born to Leola as early as 1971. There was a comradery formed between Sam and Terry as basketball brought them together.

Terry grew up in Howard Houses where he resided at 1580 East New York Avenue. He attended public schools in the area, completing his studies at George W. Wingate High School. Terry made basketball his focus. He played for the BRC, AAU, PSAL and many other associations over his lifetime. He received a full scholarship to Xavier University in Cincinnati and graduated with a Bachelors’ degree in 1990.

Leroy wed Shelley Henderson of Pittsburgh PA in 1993. He had two children born of that union and they became the loves of his life. Karen Ann Greenidge, affectionately known by her dad as “Ma- Ma” and Leroy Greenidge affectionately known by all as “LJ” joined the family in May of 1995. The family relocated to Florida shortly after.

Leroy returned to the Cincinnati area and called the area home for the last 35 years. Terry worked for several companies and/or healthcare institutions throughout his tenure in Cincinnati. The Children’s Hospital, Crossroads, Proscan & 4 Ever Ready Home Care are a few that come to mind. He became a referee and coach to the youth in the area. He remained active up until illness set upon him.

Leroy remained loyal to his childhood neighborhood located in Brownsville Brooklyn. He was well known for his on- court antics and leadership on the courts. He returned to Brownsville faithfully to attend Old-Timers Day and Brownsville Day. He loved to run a good joke and have a good time. Those who knew him best would track him on Face Book to see where life was taking him next. He travelled extensively throughout the states just to play golf or visit friends.

One thing I can tell you about him is, when he called you a “friend” he meant it. Leroy had a big heart and he cared about people in a tremendous way. He would travel hours on end just to play golf with good friends and he was the center of a good time. He also had a knack for telling a good story. In most cases his audience would be laughing profusely before he was able to finish.

In July of 2022, Leroy was met with major illness. His prognosis was not good but his will and spirit to overcome adversity was clearly evident. Leroy was stricken with     complications of Diabetes which affected his brain, heart, and lower extremities. By October of 2022, he was a double amputee, and he was in a battle for his life. He kept in touch with as many friends as he possibly could, and several friends dropped in to check in on him for which I am forever grateful. The challenge for Leroy was his heart. He sought help from the best of the best and unfortunately, he succumbed to heart disease on February 9, 2023, at the Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati Ohio.

Leroy’s mom, the late Leola Matthews proceeded him in death. Leroy leaves to mourn his transition, his dad Samuel Matthews, Leroy Greenidge Sr., Aunt Vinnie Blanchard, Uncle Ernest White, Aunt Geraldine Smith, Agnes Bennett, Uncle Paul Matthews, his children Karen-Ann Greenidge and Leroy Greenidge Jr., Aaron Henderson, sister Sharon Greenidge- McCalla, Brother in-laws: Gary McCalla, James McLaurin, sisters (Delores, Clarisse, Ingrid, Erica, Stephanie & Elizabeth), Vanessa Henderson, Nephews, Peter Morgan Jr., Samuel McCalla, Matthew McCalla, Niece Keron McCalla, grand-nephew Peyton Morgan and grand- niece Aria McCalla. He also leaves many cousins and friends who became family to him. Leroy was involved in the lives of many children over the years that will also miss him dearly.

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