Worcester—Edward J. Geaney, Jr., 82, Colonel (retired), U.S. Army, died Sunday, August 22, 2004, in Saint Vincent Hospital after an illness. He was born in New York City, the son of Edward J. and Rose (O’Neill) Geaney. His loving wife, Dorothy, died in 1985. He was predeceased by two sons, Edward J. Geaney III and Robert M. Geaney, and a brother, Richard W. Geaney.
Colonel Geaney is survived by his daughters Patricia Kerrigan, wife of Patrick Kerrigan, of Clinton and Janice Erickson of Jefferson, ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Colonel Geaney graduated from All Hallows High School in New York City and from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 1943. He served in Europe during WWII, and in Korea. He was an airborne and infantry officer. During his career, he was assigned to various posts, such as the Pentagon and the United States Military Academy, where he was an instructor. Stationed in West Berlin, Germany during the height of the Cold War, Colonel Geaney commanded the 4th Battalion, 18th Infantry. Later assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, he was a brigade commander. Colonel Geaney’s final assignment was a Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he headed the ROTC Department. Upon his retirement from the military, he worked for the City of Worcester as a Safety and Training Officer.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Trinity Chapel, West Point, New York. Burial with full military honors at the West Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colonel Geaney’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 11 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 105, Norwood, MA 02062.