Bulldog News

Honoring a Hillside legend

Monday, December 21, 2009

During a season of gratitude, the Hillside community took time to say “thanks” this holiday season to a much beloved supporter of the school.

Members of Dr. Kenneth R. Greenleaf’s family gathered together on November 18 as part of ceremonies dedicating the Greenleaf patient room in Hillside’s Lebovitz Health Center.

A general surgeon with a practice in Marlborough, Dr. Greenleaf served as Hillside’s physician from 1957 to 1997. Dr. Greenleaf was also a long-time Hillside School trustee and both he and his wife, Elaine, were well known as generous donors to the school.

In the commemorative book celebrating Hillside’s 100th anniversary, Dr. Greenleaf recalled vanloads of boys being brought to his office in Marlborough and being told, “We’ve got six flus for you today.”

Many alums from that era fondly recall Dr. Greenleaf’s caring bedside manner and his enduring belief in Hillside’s educational mission. His intelligence and wit were also much appreciated in his service as a board of trustee member.

While Dr. Greenleaf recently passed away, his wife, Elaine Greenleaf, was more than happy to accept the honor of a patient room being dedicated in her husband’s name on November 18. When asked what Dr. Greenleaf would think of the fully modern and equipped Lebovitz Health Center, Elaine Greenleaf commented, “He would be pleasantly surprised and delighted by the improvements” in the delivery of health care at Hillside School.

Also during the ceremony, Headmaster David Z. Beecher fondly recalled how Dr. Greenleaf was immensely helpful to him in his role as headmaster. “I really appreciated his insight and guidance,” he stated. “I will always be thankful for his enduring support.”

Following the ceremony, Elaine Greenleaf and her family joined with other members of the Hillside community in enjoying the annual Hillside Thanksgiving Dinner.

Elaine Greenleaf poses beneath the plaque honoring her late husband, Dr. Kenneth Greenleaf, in Hillside's Lebovitz Health Center.

Elaine Greenleaf addresses members of the Hillside community at Hillside's Thanksgiving Dinner on November 18.