John F. Geary

John F. Geary of Uncasville died June 17th, 2022, peacefully in his sleep. He was born in 1934, to Edward H. Geary and Aurette Fournier Geary. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna L. Waycott Geary.

Born and raised in Montville, John attended Uncasville and Palmer Memorial schools. After attending NFA for two years, John completed his high school diploma at LaSallette Seminary, Hartford, CT and attended LaSallette College, Altamont, NY, leaving to enlist in the US Army. His service included being stationed in France. Despite claiming to have been a lazy student of French for 4 years, he reported his background in French provided an advantage for good jobs in installation security. Upon returning home, he used the GI Bill and graduated from Central Connecticut State College in 1963, earning a B.S. in Social Science degree.

After teaching at Durham High School, he was employed by the State of Connecticut Welfare Department, in Norwich, CT, and then as a Family Relations Counselor for Superior Court in Norwich until his retirement in 1990 after 20 years

In his retirement, John was a dedicated father, shuttling his son, Scott, to school and extracurricular activities. As his son got older, John found a life in town politics and the Historical Society. He served as a member and chairman of the Montville Town Council, Water Pollution Control Authority as a commissioner and chairman, a member of the School Renovation Committee and president of the Montville Historical Society. In his tenure of town civics, he was proud to participate in getting Uncasville School and Palmer School on the National Register and State Register of Historic Places, respectively.

John was most visible around Montville for his work at local cemeteries. Through the Historical Society, he learned of dozens of long forgotten public and family resting spots. John enjoyed the exercise of the landscaping and learning the town history via the forgotten stones. He met many local neighbors through his 20 years of cemetery cleanup.

In addition to his wife, Donna, he is survived by his son Scott Geary and daughter-in-law Holly of Taftville, CT and his grandsons Eli and Seth. John had many nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Jack. They include John Geary and family, James Geary and family, Maria Reagan and family, Anne Brodaski and family, and Edward Geary. He was predeceased by his brother Edward Geary and sister-in-law Marjorie.

John will be remembered for his humble and soft-spoken demeanor and his support of charitable institutions relating to human rights, animal abuse, Alzheimer's research, fair justice and many local causes.

Calling hours will be held Sunday June 26, 2022 at the Church and Allen Funeral Home in Uncasville, CT from 1-2pm with a service following at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to a related charitable organization.