Raymond Geyer Obituary

Father Raymond Geyer
BELMONT -- Father Geyer, a monk and priest of Belmont Abbey for more than sixty years, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, July 26, 2009.
The son of Joseph A. Geyer and Kathryn Nuwer Geyer, Father Raymond was born on September 24, 1922, in Lancaster, NY. He attended Saint Mary's Elementary School and High School in Lancaster, then enrolled in Belmont Abbey Junior College, where he earned his A.A. degree in 1942. He subsequently completed his BA degree in Sociology at Saint Benedict's College, Atchison, KS, and earned his Master's Degree in Education from Canisius College in 1949. Father Raymond entered the novitiate for Belmont Abbey at Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, and made his first profession of vows on July 2, 1943. He was solemnly professed on July 11, 1946, and ordained a priest at Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Buffalo, NY, on June 4, 1949.
Father Raymond served in all the apostolates of Belmont Abbey. He taught in the Prep School from 1945 to 1947, was organist and choirmaster in the monastery from 1945 to 1949, and served as chaplain of St. Leo's School in Belmont from 1949 to 1950. He later served as Director of Admission for Belmont Abbey College from 1970 to 1977. In addition, Father Raymond was assigned to Sacred Heart Priory, Savannah, GA, where he taught at Benedictine Military School from 1950 to 1959. He was assigned to St. Benedict's Priory, Richmond, VA, from 1959 to 1970, and again from 1977 to 1983, where he also taught at Benedictine High School. Father Raymond served as principal at the high school from 1959 to 1962, and as prior of the monastic community there from 1977 to 1983. His final pastoral assignment was as pastor of Saint Michael's Church, Gastonia, NC, from 1983 to 1989. After his return to Belmont Abbey, Father Raymond remained active in community life, served as Director of Oblates for twenty years, and was in charge of the abbey cemetery.
Father Raymond is survived by his brother, Father Kenneth Geyer, O.S.B., and the monks of Belmont Abbey, and by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert Geyer, of Lancaster, NY. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Geyer, and his sister, Sister Marie Canice Geyer.
Father Raymond's body will be received in the abbey basilica on Tuesday evening, July 28, at 7:00 p.m., with Vespers and the viewing following. On Wednesday, July 29, the Rosary will be prayed in the basilica at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the abbey cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Belmont Abbey College or to Saint Michael's Church, Gastonia.
Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Charlotte Observer on Jul. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Geyer

9 Entries

Brendan Soden

August 20, 2009

To Fr. Kenneth and the Benedictine Community,

I was fortunate to have Fr. Raymond as a teacher at Benedictine many years ago. His teaching skills in and out of the classroom enriched many lives. His unique presentation of "The Bells" and "The Raven" are seared in my memory. I was grateful to have been in Fr. Kenneth's and his company at the Murphy household about two years ago while they were vacationing. It was nice to see him in such great spirits.

What a great gift he was to us all. My thoughts, prayers and memories are with all of you.

Dennis Dreelin

August 2, 2009

I knew Father Raymond from 1958 to 1973. He taught me at Benedictine High School from 1969 to 1973. He was a very fine man, and an excellent teacher. All of my family knew him and though likewise. May he rest in peace.

John Winders

July 30, 2009

Father Raymond taught me from 1955 to 1959 and he was a good but strick teacher. He handled us with the fairness that we deserved but we didn't always agree with. John Winders BC 59

Theresa Martin

July 30, 2009

What a blessing it has been for our family to have known Father Raymond! The hospitality he showed us since we arrived here from Maine was so welcoming and full of love. I am so confident that Father Raymond is in heaven that I will "pray to him for his intercession". What an instrument he was in portraying our Lord's pure love! Our deepest sympathy to Father Kenneth and all the Monks at Belmont Abbey.
With Love,
Theresa Martin and family

Kelly Harris

July 29, 2009

Several months ago I met Father Raymond in the ED at Gaston Memorial. We only had a very short time together, but during that time I was able to get to know a small part of him. I found him to be very inspirational and will always remember him. My condolences are to the Monks of Belmont Abbey and the Geyer family.

Margaret Gill

July 28, 2009

My condolences to the Geyer family and the Monks of Belmont Abbey.
Fr. Raymond was a friend of my husband, Ben, and I when he was stationed at Sacred Heart Churcin Savannah, Ga. He married us there in October 1951. He was a special person in our lives.

Peggy McDermott

July 28, 2009

Another Angel in Heaven - a good man - a good soul.

July 28, 2009

Our family will always have fond memories of Fr. Raymond as he married us in St. Michael Church and baptized our first child there. Fr. Raymond was a good, loving and caring man.
-Hugh and Sandy Holland

James McLaughlin

July 28, 2009

My wife and I will remember Father Raymond in the masses that we attend through August. Father taught me at Benedictine and he married us in Sacred Heart Church. We celebrate his wonderful life in the priesthood.

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