Denis Patrick Geary

Denis Patrick Geary, 66, of Bloomfield, CT (formerly of Manchester and East Hartford) died rather peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family and some pretty decent music. Denis was born on June 5, 1957 in Danbury, CT. He was the son of Mary Ellen Casey and James Joseph Geary. Denis lost his father when he was just 9 years old. Despite this, he became a world-class Dad himself. We'll get to that. He is survived by his four loving siblings, Margaret, Julia, James, and Michael. He attended Immaculate High School where he was a star basketball player. Or at least that’s what he told his kids; no way to know for sure. It was there he would meet his future beloved wife, Faith Vos Winkel, originally of the Bronx, NY then New Fairfield, CT. Denis earned his Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, sparking a life-long career supporting members of our community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. He earned his “Schooie Award” for 30 years of service as the Executive Director of JCL - The Jewish Association for Community Living located in the Greater Hartford area. Though Denis was a gentile himself, his life's work for this small agency focused on providing exceptional service for JCL's residents, many of whom live within Jewish traditions. Denis was known throughout the Jewish community for his ardent work. In fact, being the mensch he was, Denis received the Francis Medal in 2015 and the Henry M. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award in 2018. Denis lovingly referred to the residents of JCL’s group homes as “the Guys”, perhaps taking a page from Geno Auriemma’s coaching playbook? Denis was an avidly mediocre golfer throughout his years. Practice makes…no difference, apparently. His greatest successes while out at the course were often in the clubhouse, although a few golf balls lighter than when he arrived. His buddies fondly recall his gift of friendship, but are grateful he didn’t dole out any tips on how to fix their slice. Denis was a rare leader by example, “walking his talk”. He embodied this during his years working on weekends at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church in Downtown Hartford. For Denis, the Franciscan Friars have always been a beacon of peace and love for others. That beacon appealed to Denis because he was already committed to practicing what it represented, for it was in giving that he received and it was in pardoning that he was pardoned. Some of Denis’ greatest memories were spent when traveling with loved ones. For years, summer vacations on Nantucket Island with Faith and his two adoring children, Conor and Norah were the highlight of the year. More recently, he was fortunate to travel to Ireland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Maine, and even Wethersfield and Manchester! Denis loved music, especially when it was being played at family gatherings. He was the giver-outer of holiday gifts, the collector-upper of the wrapping paper, and the Sender-in-Chief of birthday cards for everyone in the family throughout the year. But the thing he grew to love most near the end of his life was his beautiful, vibrant, sweet Granddaughter, Harper Rose, now almost a year-old. Nothing gave him more comfort and joy, and no one made him smile wider (sorry, Faith). Though his own acting career was brief and unpaid, Denis starred in his life’s roles: Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Grand-Uncle, Godfather, Father-In-Law, Cousin, Friend, and Grandfather/”Pops”. The Geary/Vos Winkel family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers as Denis danced between Hartford Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Dana Farber. You made such an impact on Denis when he needed it most, though in the end there was one dance he did alone.

Funeral service will be Wednesday (December 20, 2023) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 1:30 pm at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family at a later date. Denis’ wife and children have asked that all attendees please go directly to the church on Wednesday afternoon. Denis’ family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday (December 19, 2023) from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Denis requested that in lieu of flowers, loved ones can kindly make contributions to one of two worthy organizations: JCL at www.jcl-ct.org/donate, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 109, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or C.A.S.T, the Children’s Associated Summer Theater in Manchester, at www.casttheatre.org, P.O. Box 1268, Manchester, CT 06045-1268 where Conor and Norah spent many summers making Denis so very proud. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.