William J. Geary, 84

LEWES - William J. Geary of Lewes passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, at his home. He was 84.

Mr. Geary was raised in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. He was one of 11 children born to the late Cecil Frances de La Tour and Martin A. Geary.

He came to Lewes through his employment and became a frequent visitor beginning in the late 1960s, moving to Lewes as a full-time resident in 2000.

In retirement, Mr. Geary"s interests included activities with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his large extended family, as well as his friendships within his Lewes community family.

His relationship with the church was always a major influence in his life.

As a staff sergeant veteran of World War II, he received many accommodations and awards for his participation in the invasions of New Guinea and Luzon, P.I., as well as the American occupation of Japan, and served at Kyoto, Honshu.

Mr. Geary was employed by Strafford Mechanical Inc., Paoli, Pa., as a service sales engineer and sales consultant after his retirement from Carrier Corp. in 1990. He previously was with Honeywell Inc. for 27 years in the industrial and commercial divisions.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years, Margaret M. (McNeff) Geary; a daughter, Maureen; and a son, William John.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Ella Jean (Lowe) Geary; one son, Edward W. Geary of Glenmoore, Pa.; one daughter, Christine R. Cartafalsa of Glen Mills, Pa.; four grandchildren, Maureen Geary, Michael Geary, Tony Cartafalsa and Danielle Cartafalsa; and two great-grandsons.

A memorial mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Monday at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Del. 1, north of Five Points, Lewes. Burial will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in the form of masses or donations in Bill"s name are suggested to The Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958; or Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.