Thomas A. Geffert
Posted By Direct Cremation of the Seacoast On January 29, 2022 @ 11:20 am In | 10 Comments
Portsmouth, NH – Thomas Andrew Geffert, 90, of Sarasota, Florida, died peacefully on January 25, 2022 at Wentworth Senior Living in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Born on October 25, 1931 to Anna Hudock and Andrew Geffert, Tom matriculated at Hazleton High School in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and Penn State University. Tom served in the United States Army after college and relished being stationed in Germany and touring Europe. In 1960, Tom passed the New York City architectural boards in one sitting (a feat) so he could marry the love of his life, Anne Leary Geffert.
Tom was happily married for more than 58 years to Anne, who passed on April 25, 2019.
Tom is predeceased by his older siblings, Dorothy Bresnock and James Geffert.
Tom is survived by his four children MaryLiz Geffert of Portsmouth, NH; Thomas Geffert (w. Kieran Kinney Geffert) of Mill Valley, CA; Katie Geffert Schneider (h. Rich Schneider) of Teaneck, NJ and Julie Geffert Rimas (h. A. Paul Rimas) of Mill Valley, CA. A devoted grandfather, he will be forever adored by his nine grandchildren: Ruby and Nora Epler, Chase and Jack Geffert, Callum and Margaret Schneider, and Anna, Katie, and Tommy Rimas.
Tom and Anne married and moved to Teaneck, New Jersey in 1960, where they became active members of St. Anastasia Parish and raised their four children. Tom participated in Cursillo and maintained his friendship with his Fourth Day Group and others from St. Anastasia Church up to his death. After moving to Sarasota, Florida, with Anne in 2015, Tom was active in the St. Thomas More parish, regularly socializing with other parishioners.
Tom was a successful architect and a principal in his own architectural and engineering firm in New York City for most of his career. A consummate host, expert cook, and tireless clean-up crew, for over 50 years, Tom joined with Anne as social director, to welcome friends, family, and strangers to their home at 95 Johnson Avenue for countless dinner parties and celebrations. Tom was a loving and engaged husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He took care of everyone, serving up sandwiches, nourishing meals on hot plates (eat ‘em and beat ‘em!), sage advice, and full, listening attention to all. A creative man, Tom undertook ambitious home improvement projects, sewed drapes and Christmas outfits for his wife and daughters, arranged flowers, and learned how to carve wood so that he could offer up a ‘Tandenlade’ sign to the Miller-Leary’s. Tom loved beauty in architecture, art, food, flowers, books. Voted best dancer in high school, Tom never missed an opportunity to whirl his beloved Anne on a dance floor.
Tom was a eucharistic minister and altar server, served meals to folks in NYC’s Bowery and volunteered at the St. Thomas More Food Pantry. Tom served on the Peace Health Board of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, who own and manage Holy Name Hospital and Villa Marie Claire Residential Hospice. Tom was a member of the Teaneck Planning Board. Tom and Anne were members of the Oritani Field Club, Hackensack Golf Club, and Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club, where Anne regularly bested Tom at tennis and golf.
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas More Church in Sarasota on February 12, 2022 at 9:30am. A memorial Mass will take place at St. Anastasia Church in Teaneck at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s name to St. Anastasia Catholic Church, Teaneck, NJ, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Sarasota, FL.
Condolences for the family of “Thomas A. Geffert”
I can only feel lucky to say I know the entire Geffert family. Pop pop (Tom) was a man of incredible kindness and wisdom. Always smiling, always inquiring and the consummate host. Sending love to all of the children, grandchildren, and lives he has touched, he will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to the Geffert family. Tom and Ann were very special people. They loved their church but did not preach to others. They were generous with their love and very giving of themselves.
We pray that they have found peace.
I was fortunate enough to meet the distinct gentleman they call Pop Pop, and man he didn’t disappoint one bit. That big smile, nurturing nature, and unforgettable ability to make you feel like you are the most important person in the room when he was listening to you hasn’t been lost on me.
The fact that he was voted the best dancer in high school is not the least bit shocking as he still had that eternal spark even when I met him in his late 80s. Love you Always Geffert Family!
What a delightful addition to the world Pop Pop was. He was gentle and kind and engaged and exuded love. He created a wonderful family, and for that I am grateful. To all of the Geffert’s – I am just so sorry for your loss. Sending much love, Kathleen
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Geffert family, especially Tommy and Katie, on the passing of a wonderful man and a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these difficult times.
Dear Members of the Geffert Family,
How saddened we are that your dear Dad has now passed also! The great news is that your Mom and Dad are together once more and will be for all eternity! Your Dad was also so special — always upbeat and one who always lived out his faith! God had a definite plan for your Mom and Dad to meet, fall in love, and raise such a beautiful family. Even though his journey was solo these past few years, I have no doubt that your Mom was always close-by, whispering in his ear. I am sure they longed for the day they could be together again, and now that day has arrived! We hope that your family is no stranger to St. Thomas More. Know that we hold each of you ever close in thought and in prayer! Be proud of the legacy they have left behind!
To the Geffert Children,
We were so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing; but are grateful to you for having a funeral service for him here at St. Thomas More. Tom was a very special friend, and we were blessed to have shared in his twilight years. It was especially hard for all of his dear friends when he spent his last months in Portsmouth. But, we understood…and kept him in our prayers. Roger and I enjoyed many fun times with your parents and will always remember them fondly as members of our 8:00 am morning Mass group at St. Thomas More. Roger recalls Tom’s faithful assistance at all the Men of St. Thomas More monthly dinner meetings; one could always count on Tom to help with table set up, meal prep and/or clean up.
We send our deepest condolences and our most heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Roger and Nancy Grenier
Your dad was a wonderful person who will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Love to all, Aunt Dorothy and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this challenging time. Your dad was an amazingly charismatic and accomplished individual. He was someone we can all learn from. We will miss seeing him in the ‘hood.
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My deepest condolences to the whole Geffert family. The kindest and sweetest man – he will be missed by many. Love to you all!