John T. Geary, 81, of Hinsdale, died Aug. 24, 2020.
Born and raised in Chicago and orphaned by the age of 9, John grew up under the wing of his older sister, Mary O’Brien. John went on to be a graduate of Christ the King and Morgan Park High School and attended DePaul University before entering the U.S. Army.
John lived a long life of love, laughter and learning. An avid reader of four newspapers a day, he kept current in the events, looking to talk and discuss with young and old alike.
John’s career started at Beverly Bank, giving him experience to purchase a bank in Oak Lawn in 1970 and becoming president of The First National Bank of Oak Lawn. His commitment to investing in the South Side of Chicago led him and his wife, Joan, to become Hilton franchisees and create the Hilton Oak Lawn in 1981. Leading the pack in the hotel industry, the Hilton Oak Lawn employed 275 people and was owned and managed by the married team for 27 years until 2008.
He served as chairman of the investment committee for the Chicago Policeman’s Annuity and Benefit Fund; as a member of the Chicago Regional Transportation and Authority Board; and as a member of the board of directors of the Mutual Of Omaha Insurance Companies. His civic service included finance chairman of the mayoral campaign for his friend and future mayor of the city of Chicago, Jane Byrne.
An avid golfer, John enjoyed 55 years as a member of The Beverly Country Club in Chicago. His countless golfing friends, along with the loyal employees of the club, will miss his warm, generous and jovial spirit.
His love for travel took him around the world with his wife and family. He equally enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife in his backyard in Hinsdale where he raised his family. Retiring in Florida, John nourished his love of water and warm weather from his home in North Palm Beach.
His courage and strength in his life was admired by all those who love him. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Roddewig Geary; his children, Elizabeth (Tom) O’Mara, Patrick (Tammy) Geary, Michele (John) Girgis and Kristina Geary; his grandchildren, Casey, Abby, Meg and T.J. O’Mara, John and Jillian Geary, Ellie, Madeleine and Mimi Girgis and Patrick, Colin, and Matthew Meehan; his siblings, Mary O’Brien, James, and Thomas Geary; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph.
A funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs. Please support John’s family by signing the online guestbook and to reserve a seat at the funeral mass at https://www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to the Western Golf Association, Evans Scholars Foundation at https://www.wgaesf.org.
Sullivan Funeral Home Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
