Donald H. Geer

Donald H. Geer, 91, of East Hartford, beloved husband of 33 years of Norma (Holbrook) Charest Geer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, (February 8, 2013) at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in New London on March 11, 1921, a son of the late Frank H. and Gertrude (Molanson) Geer he had resided in Manchester for many years prior to moving to East Hartford 35 years ago. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II serving with the Company D 344th Engineer General Service Regiment and was awarded the Presidential and Citation Medals. Prior to his retirement he was employed for 35 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford. For 22 of his 35 years at Pratt & Whitney, he worked in the ""Technical Presentations & Orientation"" department traveling throughout the United States and six countries, where he was a group supervisor for the aircraft exhibits at air shows and trade shows. A Master Carpenter, Donald loved woodworking as seen by his home he built in Manchester and the furniture he made for his homes. A generous and caring man, he made toys for children in East Hartford via the Social Services Department in the town. Donald was also an avid loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Huskies. Along with his loving wife, Donald is survived by a daughter, Lucinda J. Clark of Spencer, MA; a son, Kenton Geer and his wife, Rosemary (Franz) Geer, of Red Wing, MN; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves two stepsons, Kenneth Charest of Coventry, Colin Charest and his wife, Jacquelyn, of Ellington; a stepdaughter-in-law, Jane Charest of Vernon; a brother-in-law, Emil Stavens of Vernon; seven step-grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a daughter, Andrea Bonner of Vernon; a stepson, Terrence Charest of Arizona; and a step daughter-in-law, Lucy Charest of Coventry; and nine siblings.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 16, at 10:30 am at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Veterans Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Donald's family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday morning from 10-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald's name may be made to the American Cancer Society , 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.