IN MEMORIAM: John Geer, Former Trustee

John Farr Geer, of New York City, died on September 17, 2021, at the age of 90. A retired corporate attorney, he served as general counsel of the Church Pension Fund and before that as general counsel of American Standard Inc., both in New York City. John volunteered for many years with religious and charitable organizations, including his time on the General Theological Seminary Board of Trustees, the Corp. for the Relief of Widows/Children of Protestant Episcopal Clergymen in the State of NY, and Visiting Neighbors. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a First Lieutenant, Field Artillery, and was an alumnus of Columbia Law School, Princeton University and Kent School.  

Husband of the late Carolyn Boston Geer, he is survived by his children Jennifer, Evelyn and John; sons-in-law Guillermo Bilbao and Luciano Ruggeri; daughter-in-law Carolyn; and grandchildren Diana, Julia, Eleonora, Francesca and John Charles. 

Geer shared a love for the performing arts with his wife, an accomplished actress and singer, and together they enjoyed many of the city’s cultural riches. His eclectic musical tastes included bluegrass, folk, jazz, and opera, and he was an enthusiastic follower of the NYC Ballet. An avid nature lover, he could often be found birding in Central Park and upstate New York and traveled to nature habitats and cultural sites around the globe. 

The funeral was held at St. James Episcopal Church, 865 Madison Avenue at 71st Street, New York City, on Friday, October 1. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Episcopal Charities of New York.