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BORN
1937
DIED
2012
FUNERAL HOME
Daniel Geelan Obituary
Daniel J. Geelan, 75, of Suffern N.Y. and East Hampton, Long Island, died on September 21, 2012 following a stroke. Daniel was surrounded by his devoted family at the time of his passing. He was the son of John Geelan, Bailieboro, County Cavan and Mary Geelan (nee Mannion), Glennamaddy, County Galway. Daniel was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen Geelan (nee Doyle), to whom he was married for 50 years. He is also survived by his sons Daniel A. Geelan (Resabel), John D. Geelan, daughters Marie T. Lacey (Frederick) and Courtney A. Geelan, and his grandchildren Isabel, Walsh, Clara, Daniel and Conor. His sister Catherine Cooney, brothers John and William Geelan and many nieces and nephews also mourn his passing.
Daniel was a retired Senior Executive Vice President of Marketing of Comdisco, Inc. He grew up in Washington Heights, St. Rosa Lima Parish, Manhattan and went on to Cardinal Hayes High School, Manhattan College ('59) and earned an MBA from New York University. He served his country and was Honorably Discharged as a Specialist with the U.S.A.R.. Committed to his community, he was the co-Founder of the Rockland County A.O.H. Feis., an Irish festival that brings thousands each year to Rockland County to celebrate their Irish heritage. Daniel also served as Rockland County Aide to the Grand Marshal, New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade.
In retirement, Daniel focused on serving those in need and pain. A daily communicant, and parish member at Sacred Heart Church, Suffern, NY, Daniel was also a Eucharistic Minister to prisoners at the Westchester Correctional Facility and patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Daniel also founded DonateA.com, a charity that provides sports tickets to children and families battling cancer. DonateA.com principally provides tickets to children being treated at Hackenscak Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and Memorial Sloan Kettering. The fact that these children and their families could enjoy a few care free hours in the sun brought Daniel great joy. He was inspired to create this charity as a result of his own battles with the disease.
The wake will be held Monday evening from 7pm to 9pm and Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm at the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern N.Y.. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern. Daniel will be interred at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, East Hampton, NY. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Daniel's name to Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, New York.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Geelan
Bill Twist
September 17, 2024
I am reminded how much I smiled and laughed whenever I was around Dan. It was a blessing and privilege to cross lives with him. Thanks for this remembrance. I'm a more alive being for thinking of him.
September 17, 2019
Dan ... What a great human being! He had a huge impact on my life giving me my first big break and kicked off my career. He showed me the importance of giving back and helping others. Such good memories.
Mandy Pampallis
November 3, 2012
Dear Mary, Dan, John, Courtney, Marie and family...You must all miss your dear father,friend and husband terribly. You have been in my thoughts since the day I heard of this tragic event 6 weeks ago..wish I could offer some constructive, soothing words to console you, but I know that only time will bring some measure of comfort to you...with love and sincerest sympathy.
Maureen & George Erkmann
October 7, 2012
Mary,
We are so sorry. Didn't hear until afterwards, otherwise we would have stopped by. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We will all miss him
Love,
Maureen and George Erkmann
Seamus & Kathleen Mannion
October 3, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
October 2, 2012
Dan was a great man who hired me at Comdisco over 30 years ago. I'll never forget the guidance and care he gave and the twinkle in his eyes when he would walk in the office. I have fond memories of the many company social functions under his leadership. I am blessed to have known Dan and his family.
Maureen O'Reilly McDonald, Glastonbury, CT
thomas tedeschi
September 27, 2012
I knew the Geelan family when they lived in our apartment building on West 169th Street. I am younger than Daniel but remember his parents well.
My late mother, Joan, knew the entire family. My sympathy for your loss.
September 27, 2012
What a special person. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Geelan family. He was such a wonderful man who gave so much to those around him. Dan gave me my first big break in life as I know he has done for so many others that had the good fortune to know him. He has left this world a better place and I am blessed for having known him and his wonderful family. God bless.
Rich Francia
Tony Peszka
September 26, 2012
John, my sympathy and thoughts go out to you and your family. Remember the good times you had with him. Sounds like he was a great guy.
Hector Munoz
September 26, 2012
May Mr. Geelan rest in peace
Bob Madden
September 26, 2012
Dear Geelan Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. As one can tell from the obituary, Mr. Geelan devoted his life to his family and to God, through such a wonderful life of giving. I had the great honor of being his guest several times and he always treated me with immense kindness and hospitality. Losing a man of such remarkable character is a great loss but those he touched can continue to live by the example he set forth. God bless you, Dan.
September 26, 2012
We just found out about Dan's passing today. We knew him from the gym and daily Mass at Sacred Heart. He introduced himself to us as he realized we were Fr. Carrozza's parents. He was a gentle man and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to all.
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Carrozza, Jr.
Bob @Patty Williams Jr
September 26, 2012
Dearest Aunt Mary and family. With sincere and heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. May the Love of family and friends bring you peace and comfort
Patricia Dwyer
September 26, 2012
God bless Dan and his family. He was a model of humanity for us all and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
The Palaia Family
September 26, 2012
We are extemely sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dan was a great man and a inspiration to all of us.What makes a great man? Look at his family, friends and everyone that knew him.
Celia Balderrama
September 26, 2012
What a spirit and soul ! We are blessed to have met Mr. and Mrs. Geelan on their visits to Marie, Fritz, Clara and Danny to Santa Monica, California. Mr. Geelan's love for life and family was felt by all who met him. Mr. Geelan's words of encouragement and confidence in our success, to the very end, will never be forgotten. To the Geelan Family, you are in our thoughts, and prayers during the very difficult time.
September 25, 2012
My thoughts and prays are with you during this trying time. May Danny's memories
stay forever fondly in your hearts and may the hurt of his departure fade as
time goes forward!
My very best, Paul Curi Comdisco Corporate Services
Vicki Gallegos
September 25, 2012
All of my love and sympathy to the Geelan family. I have wonderful memories of Dan and his kind and hilarious spirit. His friendship with my dad and our family was treasured. Courtney and Marie...I still smile when I think back to that famous spring break trip in Florida!!! Sending you a giant hug from California. Love and God bless.
Vicki Gallegos (Pontikes)
Bill Twist
September 25, 2012
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mary and family. I had the great pleasure of working with Dan 35 years ago at Comdisco and I have been moved and inspired by the work he undertook with Donate A in recent years. His was truly a life of joy and service. My prayers are with him and you all.
Bill Twist - San Francisco
Jerry Fitzgerald
September 25, 2012
Dan, truly was a special person. His beliefs were the foundation of his work. All of his many friends at Comdisco were truly blessed to have known him. I loved his stories. My prayers will be with Dan's family.
September 24, 2012
Dearest Aunt Mary and family,
We have been blessed to have met Uncle Dan and his beautiful family. We will continue to pray and may God bless you all.
Most sincerely,
The Crimmins girls,
Kathleen, Irene, Terry ,Maureen, Mary and Christine
Mary&Martin Cushen/Mannion
September 24, 2012
Dearest Mary & Family so sorry to hear about Danny,s passing may he rest in Peace. .I will alway,s remember the good times we had at your house when i came out from Ireland first ye were all so much fun talking about Ireland & all the Irish music playing. Mary so sorry i cannot be with ye all at this time,but i will be praying &thinking of all the good times .Danny is not suffering any-more he was a lovely man and he very proud of you and i can see why you were his shining armour Your loving cousin
Marie DiNapoli RN MSKCC
September 24, 2012
I feel blessed to have known Dan and I will miss his friendship. God willing, we will meet again. God's peace and Blessings to Mary Ellen and his family.
Janeen Pendergast
September 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Mary and the rest of the family...Uncle Dan was a great man and will be greatly missed...
John McKeon
September 24, 2012
Danny was our lifelong friend and best man at our wedding! We have wonderful memories of happy times spent with Mary and Dan and the Geelan and Doyle Families! Gone too soon, but never forgotton. Our prayers go out to Mary and family.
Jack and Carolyn McKeon
John & Janet Gossard
September 24, 2012
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Geelan. No doubt that he's in a much better place. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Geelan Family.
Annette Rosen
September 24, 2012
Mary & family,
We will never forget his spirit! A kind and loving man. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Annette Rosen
Freddie Hewitt
September 24, 2012
Our friendship spanned over 65 years. Good times-plenty of laughs-sneaking into the Audubon Movie Theater when we didn't have a nickle between us. We lost touch but am grateful for a chance encounter in Washington Heights several years ago. Danny would always be there when you needed him. He had the gift of lifting your spirits. Danny will be missed by many. God bless Mary and Family.
Freddie Hewitt
September 24, 2012
He was indeed a great man. He made everyone feel comfortable in his presence and enjoyed life. I will never forget the wonderful Christmas days spent singing the Irish songs with the Cooney and Geelan families. May God bless you and comfort your family.
Kasper
Cullen & Maureen Beaudin
September 23, 2012
Mary:The Beau here,I'll always remember his pleasant smile,disposition and infectious laugh.You and family stay strong.
Maureen Fogarty and Family
September 23, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Rest in peace, Dan!
September 23, 2012
Mary..I am so sorry for your loss. You & your children are in my thoughts & prayers. May you all find peace at this very sad time. May Danny RIP. Sincerely,
Mary McKeon Brown (Wyckoff, NJ )
Kathleen Murphy Spichiger
September 23, 2012
Wishing you and your family our condolences at this time. He was a great and caring man. We are glad to have known him... Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
William Murphy
September 23, 2012
DAN WAS A VERY GOOD MAN.A life filled with goodness and caring for others. I am a beneficiary of his concern for for the sick.
Gone is the face we loved so dear, silent is the voice we loved to hear, to far away for sight or speech,but not to far for thought to reach,sweet to remember him once here,Who, though absent, is just as dear.
Bill & Dell Murphy
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
September 23, 2012
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
Emily Kratzer
September 23, 2012
Dan's enthusiasm for life and dedication to helping children get a break from the hospital were admirable traits. I enjoyed talking with him and letting Journal News readers know about his efforts with DonateA. Condolances to his family.
September 22, 2012
In the short time I knew Mr. and Mrs. Geelan I always remembered his funny conversations and genuine kindness, I was happy to have known him, God bless Mrs. Geelan and the family.
Sincerely,
Dorothea McLeod
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