On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, after 85 years filled with soldiering, teaching, firefighting, crime-stopping, dummy toting, ballot writing, campaign running, body building, stage acting, screen-writing, filmmaking and a VERY short stint in the boxing ring, Bob decided to find more 'sleeping bears to poke' elsewhere. With best friends' hands holding his, he declared himself 'the winner' in a seven year battle with Multiple Myeloma and took his leave.
Born and raised in Oakland California, he graduated from St. Mary’s College with a BA in Philosophy/Art (Psychology minor). At the University of San Francisco he obtained his Secondary Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts, Secondary Education. He taught in the San Francisco Unified School District and was a commissioned officer (1st Lt) in the Army Reserve and National Guard.
He served the citizens of San Francisco as a fireman (SFFD)for 6 years and as a policeman (SFPD) for 31 years, where he was a 4 time Medal of Valor recipient. In 1988 he set up a committee, wrote and placed on the ballot Proposition V, saving the Police Mounted Patrol (In existence since 1864). In 1993 he wrote and placed on the ballot Proposition BB (assuring and expanding police officers' judgement in the performance of community policing duties) and keeping his 'dummy' partner, Brendan O’Smarty on the job. He also was a seven time elected member of the Democratic Central Committee, served two terms on SFPOA Board of Directors, is a 40+ year voting member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
He leaves behind his sister, Patricia Anne Geary; nieces: Theresa Sanchez (Joel) and Colleen Rezentes (Steve); and several great nieces and nephew.
Devoted friends, who were with Bob as he crossed the finish line... Dimitrios 'Jimmy' Prountzos (Georgia) and Loretta Murphy (Patrick).
His friendships were as diverse as was his taste in books...from 'gym rats' to royalty, there was only one compulsory requirement: You better darn well have a sense of humor.
Truly, he was 'One Of A Kind'! '
Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, February 4th at 4pm and attend a Vigil at 5pm at Duggan's Siera Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 5th at 1pm at St Gabriel Church, 2559 40th Ave, San Francisco.
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Bob Geary |
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Reluctantly I submit the following after long hours of being subjected to waterboarding, with copious amounts of Listerine, by the Reunion Committee.
I stayed an extra semester at St. Mary’s to complete my studies, due to changes in my major. I was awarded a California Secondary Teaching Credential from USF in 1970; received a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from USF in 1972.
While at Ft. Ord (Basic Training) I bumped into Paul Desrochers one night on my way to the Post Exchange. We briefly chatted that one time. Free time wasn’t a right or privilege for an Army National Guard Private E-1. Paul outranked me by a pay grade or two. He could come and go as he pleased. My ticket to freedom was to become an OCS candidate. I spent six months in the program. My lack of discipline was too much for my Tactical Officers. I was jettisoned from the program.
Several months later my application for the Army Infantry OCS program at Ft. Benning was accepted. Peculiar things do happen in life — the result of good playacting. The program was challenging. After its completion I was commissioned a 2LT. During my military experience I was a Recon Platoon Leader, General’s Aide, and a Commanding Officer - serving at various army posts.
My fear of the aforementioned waterboarding is beginning to wear off, therefore I will move more quickly with this and keep it simple:
Click for Bob's photos.
Most recent contact information: 2578 Great Highway San Francisco CA 94116 gearybobgeary@aol.com 415-564-8698
