Mr. James P. Geary

Mr. James P. Geary, 95, of Richardson St., Cheshire, formerly of Lanesborough, passed away on Sunday evening, October 11, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pittsfield on November 7, 1919, the son of Patrick J. and Ruth Bryant Geary, he was a 1937 graduate of Pittsfield High School. In 1943 Jim enlisted into the US Army and shortly after, married his wife of 71 years, Ann. In a matter of weeks he was sent to basic training eventually rising to the rank of first Sargent. Upon completion of training he was assigned to the 10th Armored Division, famously known as “The Tigers” and was a participant in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1945, days before the end of the war, Jim was seriously wounded while participating on a mission in Germany. His military honors include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. In 1950 Jim and his wife Ann made their home in Lanesborough where they raised their four children. He worked in Quality Control for General Electric in Pittsfield for 39 years, retiring in 1980. After his retirement, Jim moved to Florida and then to Cheshire in 2006. Mr. Geary belonged to the GE Quarter Century and Pensioners Club, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. He had also served as chairman of the Lanesboro Bicentennial Committee and President of the Lanesboro Lions Club. Jim loved his time spent vacationing at Lake Champlain and taking his wife Ann out dancing. He was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, the former Anna “Ann” M. LoCascio, whom he married on December 18, 1943; she passed away on June 12, 1915. He is survived by his four children, Patricia Driscoll and her husband David of Saratoga Springs, NY, Diane Magargal and her husband Steve of Worthington, James Geary and partner Tina Barnini of Cheshire, and Michael Geary and his wife Ernestine of Cheshire. He is also survived by sisters in law, Jane Geary of Pittsfield, Julia Carey of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jenny Ramsey, Fran Martin, Josie Pigott all of Pittsfield;10 grandchildren,13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Jim was predeceased by a sister Eleanor and two brothers, Thomas and Jack. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Daughter in law, Ernestine for the years of loving care she provided and to his caregiver, Janet Pryce and to Berkshire VNA & Hospice for their support. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. James P. Geary will be Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 8 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. at St. Charles Church, celebrated by the Rev. A. Peter Gregory, pastor. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral Home will be Friday, October 16, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. If friends desire, donations may be made to Berkshire VNA & Hospice, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in his memory. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. James P. Geary

November 7, 1919 - October 11, 2015