Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1940
DIED
2024
Joe Geller Obituary
February 9, 1940 - June 25, 2024
With sadness, love and laughter we said goodbye to the life of our party, Joseph H. Geller on June 25, 2024 at the age of 84. Born in 1940, Joe was the eldest son of Bert and Phyllis Geller, and raised in Lawrence, New York in homes designed by Marcel Breuer. He was known for his magnetic character, infectious laugh, tenacious drive, and most of all his deep love for his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. Graduating from Cornell in 1961, Joe married Miriam "Mickey" Fine in 1966 and they were partners both in business and in life. They moved to Boston and opened a highly curated clothing and shoe boutique called Upper Crust on Newbury Street and brought cutting edge fashion to Boston. Later, Joe and Mickey ran The Shoe Salon at Bonwit Teller and raised their two girls, Katie and Betsey, in Cambridge. Later, Joe and Mickey moved to Charlottesville, Virginia where they owned and operated the Silver Thatch Inn. Joe also spent many years working for the local chapter of SCORE assisting in launching and expanding businesses like The Mudhouse. Joe was passionate about traveling, running marathons and later cycling, always up for the next physical challenge. He was often seen on the sidelines of his grandchildren's games and was everyone's favorite fan. His positive outlook and unending curiosity about the lives of others made him a cherished friend to many and a welcome regular at the local Starbucks where he often held court. When he was no longer able to connect in person, he never missed a beat on social media, commenting on every post with his XO or thumbs up and if he really liked the post, you might see a "LOVE THIS". Our beloved Joe was surrounded by family and loved ones until his very last moments. He will be missed dearly across every community he touched, including New York, Cambridge, Charlottesville and Darien. He was predeceased by his brothers Michael, Alan and Billy Geller. Joe is survived by wife of 58 years Mickey Geller, daughters Katie Stein and Betsey Keely, sons-in-law Eric Stein and Martin Keely, grandchildren Olivia Stein, Matthew Stein, Ceci Stein, Owen Keely and Will Keely.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Geller
Betty & Norm
June 24, 2025
Wonderful memories of your Charlottesville home and the many times we visited you on our way to see Monroe in NY... we will cherish them, R.I.P. Joe
Heather Reynolds
March 2, 2025
Dearest Mickey, been thinking about you and Joe and how you touched my life. I loved working at Unique Boutique, especially working with you both. So sorry to hear of Joe´s passing. You were both do incredibly welcoming and inclusive. I´m at Yale where I´ve spent the last 39 years as faculty. Thank you so much g or giving me the opportunity to work with you both. God Bless.
How you can show support
Ernie
July 4, 2024
Joe was such a fun and generous man! I´m deeply saddened by news of Joe´s passing and extend my deepest sympathies to Mickey and the kids.
Phoebe Frosch
July 4, 2024
Joe was the best friend a person could have. He was the most fun, the most supportive and the smartest, silliest, most joyous mind in the room, always. Godspeed, Joe. I love you.
Barbara Rice - daughter of Helen Geller Beyer
July 4, 2024
Oh, I am so sad to hear this news. Cousin Joe was such a loving and wonderful person. We all will miss him.
Bruce Williamson
July 2, 2024
Mickey,
I am very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Please accept my sympathies and condolences/
Laura Marshall
June 30, 2024
My initial connection with Joe was as the welcoming host at the Silver Thatch Inn where my husband and I enjoyed special dinners on our wedding anniversaries, and occasionally with friends and with visiting family members. Joe was amiable, relaxed, generous of spirit and he even freely told me where the Inn got those signature Marblehead Mints served after dinner (Harbor Sweets, Salem, MA) which I still occasionally order and always think of him when I do. Our paths crossed again when I had scheduled a short consultation via SCORE re my husband´s business and was surprised and pleased when our consultant was a very helpful Joe Geller. Though our contacts were infrequent, Joe´s beautiful energy and presence made a positive imprint on me.
The Muligano's
June 30, 2024
Such great memories. Joe loved art and design. This was in 2015 when a group of us visited the Pollock-Krasner House in Springs Long Island, NY.
Jean Kluver
June 29, 2024
Oh I have such fond memories of Joe! When my sister and I were kids, it was our greatest treat to go to Bonwit´s shoe salon and Joe would treat us like grown up ladies. We thought he and Mickey were the height of sophistication. We still do! As we grew up, Joe was always the warmest presence. Always so engaged, interested, and funny. Thanks for so many wonderful memories, with love, Jeannie Kluver
Gerry Newman
June 29, 2024
Joe, you were always a special companion. Be it on the bike, or small nuggets of information in the nascent years of the bakery. Always with a smile on your face, and kindness in your voice.
To Mickey and the family, I wish you peace in your pain and send you love from all my heart.
Joe, I'm sure going to miss you. Thanks for the pull, I'll meet you at the top of the hill.
Dylan Moore
June 27, 2024
Joe Geller will be missed by all. A true icon and gentlemen. Funny, witty, bold, caring, and always a great friend. Brilliant and always knew the right thing to say. I met Joe 12 years ago. He taught me a lot and I am truly fortunate to have had known him. - Dylan
Richard Johnson
June 27, 2024
Oh My Goodness...What a Wonderful Man ....and our dads were friends in the ladies shoe business 60 to 70 years back. My daughter , Marti , and Betsey were roommates at Choate and still great friends today. I always Loved getting to be with Joe and Mickey.....Extra Fine Folks.....Dear Mickey , You and your Good Family are Most Definitely in My Prayers .....your friend always , Rick
Lauren Drazen
June 27, 2024
Joe Geller will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He was the life of the party, but also serious and engaged in every conversation. Katie´s college friends truly looked forward to Joe and Mickey´s visits. Fond, fond memories of a special man. We were lucky to know and love Joe. Sending love to the whole family at this difficult time. Joe Geller is looking down on you... He´s the brightest star in the galaxy.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Joe Geller's name
Memorial Events
for Joe Geller
People and places connected with Joe
VA, Virginia
Daily Progress
How to support Joe's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joe Geller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
