PART TWO

We crossed paths again at APAO in Hong Kong in the late seventies, where Bob was heading what may have been the largest line-of-business profit center in Asia. His particular strength lay in identifying and hiring talented local traders, then empowering them to run profitable operations across all Asia Pacific branches. The role came with tremendous stress—constant highs and lows—yet Bob maintained steady leadership, always remaining calm and composed under pressure.

And who could forget the elaborate celebrations and parties that Maryann and Bob hosted, both in Hong Kong and later in Greenwich? Their children—Robbie, Kim, and Samantha—would assist their parents in entertaining guests, making every gathering feel like a true family affair.

Dona joins me in sending our prayers and heartfelt condolences to the extended Geary family.

Rest in peace, Robert.

PART ONE
In Memory of Bob

Over the past few years, our in-person contact became limited due to Bob's mobility issues, but we maintained our friendship through email correspondence. Bob particularly enjoyed critiquing my weekday humor emails—he was always quick to react when a joke hit his funny bone, though he'd let me know when one occasionally missed the mark.

Reflecting on my professional encounters with Bob, I'm struck by a consistent theme: I was always seeking his expert advice and opinions, and he never failed to deliver thoughtful guidance.

My first memory dates back to around 1971, when Bob presented to our Credit Training Class at 1 CMP. He taught us the fundamentals of Treasury Department operations within a commercial bank. To this day, I still find myself trying to recall his explanation of that counterintuitive inverse relationship between bond prices and yields.

A few years later, we offered our first fixed-rate seven-year term loan to a bank holding company. After the loan was executed, our monthly P&L showed a 7/8 point spread, but we had previously agreed with Treasury on a full 1% spread. I found myself sitting across from Bob, essentially groveling for that missing 1/8 point increase. With the patience of a natural teacher, Bob explained in terms anyone could understand that Treasury didn't fund individual loans but rather entire portfolios based on maturity and risk profiles. I returned to my office somewhat sheepishly, hat in hand. Remarkably, the next month's P&L reflected the full one percent margin we had originally planned. Thank you, Bob.

No man, other than my father, had a more profound impact on my life than Bob Geary. I met Bob when he transferred to Sydney, Australia, as Head of Global Markets with Chase Manhattan Bank (JPMorgan) in the late 80's. Bob took me under his wing and shared his knowledge of the banking indutry and his wisdom, values, ethics and life skills that for ever directed my path. Mary-Anne and Bob opened their home to me on many occassions when I visited New York, including introducing me to the American tradition of Thanks Giving. He was a good bloke and my mate.

My heart felt condolences to the Geary family.

Gary Munro, Sydney, Australia

OBITUARY

Robert F. Geary, Sr.

May 21, 1943 – August 24, 2025

Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home

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