Obituary of Orlo F. Geary

Vernon Center – Orlo "William" Geary, born January 13, 1936, joined The Lord and Savior on January 19, 2022 with his loving wife at his side. He was born in Utica, New York, the son of the late Elwin and Margaret (Watson) Geary. Bill graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1954, after which he served in the United States Air Force for ten years. On December 17, 1955 Bill and Marion "Duffy" Williams were united in marriage and have shared this vow for over sixty-six years. Together they had ten children (Kelly, Colleen, Cynthia, Katherine, Andrew, Mary Elizabeth, Peter, Michael, Jason and Joey), fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and numerous foster children. Bill was also very close to his nephews, Frankie, Sigmund, and Nathan and niece, Christine. He was predeceased by his parents, Elwin and Margaret, his brother, Donald, three children, Mary Elizabeth, Cynthia Louise and Kelly Jean, two grandchildren,¬ Eileen Sarah and Shawn Vincent. Prior to his retirement Bill was employed with Hamilton College's bookstore and maintenance department. He also worked at Oneida Limited as a silversmith and was a groundskeeper at Madison County Children's Camp in Eaton. Bill had many artistic talents from painting to wood working and leather work. He spent his life devoted to the Catholic Church and the Secular Franciscan Order. He was a member of the Holy Family Church of Vernon. As a Secular Franciscan, Bill held many positions including regional minister when he helped the national order with its process of regionalization. He was also instrumental in starting Holy Family Fraternity where he served as minister. Most recently, he served as spiritual assistant for St. Joseph Fraternity in Utica. He and Duffy were professed into the Order 41 years ago. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, Peterboro Street, Vernon, NY on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. There will be no calling hours. A private burial will be held in the spring in Skinner Cemetery, Vernon Center, NY. Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home of Vernon. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Secular Franciscan Order (St. Joseph Fraternity in Utica or Holy Family Fraternity in Vernon).