Geoffrey Percival

Geoffrey Percival, 89, of Orangeburg, NY, formerly of Clinton, NJ and Chester, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. Geoff is survived by his beloved daughters Karen (Robert) Solimano of Montvale, NJ, and Elaine (Michael) Cox of Branchburg, NJ; his beloved grandchildren Michael (Amanda) Solimano, Jonathan Solimano (Nikki Broome), Lindsy Cox, and Jenna Cox; and his dear girlfriend Dotty Blotner. He is predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Sylvia.

Geoff was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very knowledgeable man and he loved to strike up conversations with anyone he met. He had a great sense of humor, and his laugh was contagious. He was always on the go, keeping busy both at work and at home with his many projects and hobbies. Geoff was incredibly organized and detail-oriented, and planned wonderful family vacations. He was generous and outspoken, and always lent a helping hand or a listening ear.

Geoff was born on October 9, 1935 in Gateshead, England to the late Walter and Violet Percival. He received a degree in Microbiology from Birmingham University, and served time with the Royal Air Force, where he taught Math and English to soldiers in Africa. Geoff worked in quality control for pharmaceutical companies. He met his wife, Sylvia, in 1956, and they were married on July 16, 1960. The couple made their first home in Rowlands Gill, England, where they welcomed their two daughters to the family. Geoff enjoyed fishing and weekly Sunday outings with Sylvia’s extended family.

In 1975, the family immigrated to the United States. Living in Clinton Township, NJ, Geoff continued working in the pharmaceutical industry, and travelled the world with the international quality auditing division. He spent his spare time outside tending to his vegetable garden and beautifying the yard. He was an avid bird watcher and an excellent photographer. Geoff enjoyed playing tennis and racquetball, and was a very talented oil painter. He loved spending time with family playing ping pong and games. Geoff enjoyed traveling, tasting new wines and beers, watching nature shows, and following the British Premier League soccer teams.

After Geoff’s retirement in 1998, he and Sylvia spent their winters in Naples, FL, where Geoff kept active playing golf and tennis, collecting shells from the beach, and birdwatching. He and Sylvia also lived in Point Pleasant, NJ, where they enjoyed boating and crabbing with their children and grandchildren. They moved to Chester, NJ, in 2010 where Geoff remained until his move to Orangeburg, NY in 2023.

Memorial contributions can be made in Geoff’s name to the Glioblastoma Foundation @ Glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate or the Alzheimer’s Association @ Alz.Org/Donate. Cremation will held privately. A Memorial gathering will be held at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, NJ, on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 1-5pm.