William E. Geary
William E. “Bill” Geary, 79, of Washington, died Sunday, August 14, 2022, in the Donnell House, Washington.
He was born September 6, 1942, in Blairsville, a son of the late Wilbur and Mildred McCrady Geary.
Bill was a 1961 graduate of Blairsville High School.
Born and raised in Blairsville, he lived and raised his family in Monongahela, and lived in Washington for many years as well.
On June 21, 1997, Bill married his wife Mary, who is deceased.
Bill was a hard worker and rarely missed a day. He worked as a supervisor of the Coal Preparation Plant for Mon View Mining, formerly Mathies Mine. At the end of his career, he traveled to India to help set up and supervise a coal cleaning plant.
A long-time member of the Library Sportsman Association, he enjoyed trap shooting with his kids and a close group of friends. He LOVED the outdoors. Whether it was trout fishing at the Cottage, or hunting at the Big Woods, he loved spending time with his close group of friends. Bill often said that his happiest moments were being able to watch his kids and grandkids come to love and enjoy their own success with hunting, fishing, and shooting.
Bill loved to travel with his late wife Mary, and enjoyed many fishing trips all over North America with family and friends. He also enjoyed bowling and was a member of several different bowling leagues over the years.
He loved to garden and would make a garden, even where there wasn’t much room, using the flower beds around the house to grow green beans, peas, tomatoes, and zucchini.
An avid reader, he read more books than most, and enjoyed sharing his favorite books with his son-in-law, Kurt.
He could build or fix just about anything and whatever his daughter and son showed interest in, he would make sure it happened.
He is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Kurt) Rutherford, of Bethel Park; son, Bill (Nicole) Geary, of Charleroi; stepsons, Dan (Janelle) Johnston, of Washington, and Doug (Jen) Johnston, of Canonsburg; grandchildren, Erin, Benjamin and Jackson Rutherford, Brynn and Mercer Geary, and Caitlin, Natalie and Aiden Johnston; sister, Kathy Mustard, of Blairsville; brother, Gene (Kendy) Pellegrene, of Indiana; sister/cousin, Carole (Mike) Lebbano, of Indiana; half-brother, Mike (Kelly) Geary, of Derry; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bill served his country in the Army from 1961 – 1964. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar, and Expert (Rifle M-14).
Family and friends will gather from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 19, 2022, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
Military honors will be accorded at 7 p.m., by American Legion, Post 175, of Washington.
Guest book is available for expression of condolences at NealFuneralHome.com.