Gary Antonio Geraci

Gary Antonio Geraci (aka Butch) passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by family. He was 74 years old. He was born in New York City, New York, to the late Antonio Geraci and the late Dorothy Tobey. He grew up in Manhattan, and was both a proud New York Yankees fan and proud New York Giants fan.

Gary was a Navy veteran who served 20 years of active duty. At the ripe old age of 19, he was on the USS America (CVA-66) on an around-the-world cruise with Carrier Air Wing 9, including a stop in South Vietnam. He was a pollywog (a sailor who had never crossed the equator) when he started, but became a shellback on the voyage. Later, he was appointed a member of the Exalted Order of the Rock of Gibraltar (also called the Pillars of Hercules) when the USS NITRO entered the Mediterranean Sea.

Gary was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes IL, Naval Air Station Lemoore CA, Naval Submarine Base New London CT, BUPERS, NUSC AUTEC Andros Island Bahamas, Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) Panama [under both the US Canal Zone and Republic of Panama, plus an extended temporary duty with the Army in El Salvador], USS NITRO (AE-23) Colts Neck NJ, and PSD Key West FL. He received an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) while on the USS NITRO. He enjoyed his Navy service and proudly wore many ball caps with the names of his duty assignments.

He also worked as a civilian DoD employee at the 928th Airlift Wing at O’Hare IAP; the FDIC in Chicago; at Navy recruiting in San Antonio; as a temporary employee at Yokota Air Base, Japan; and for Army recruiting in San Antonio. He retired as a federal civilian in 2016.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Maureen Weber; his treasured son Joseph Geraci; his sister Connie; brothers Tony and Nicky; sisters-in-law Bunny, Marnela, Morag, and Pat; his cousins Cookie and Toni; nieces Debbie, Caroline, Heather, and Gina; nephews Andrew, James, Jack Michael, and James Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Marissa; sister Teresa; brothers Bobby, Jimmy, and Joe; nephews Anthony and Mark; and brother-in law Jack D’Angelo.

He will be reunited with his much-loved dogs, Nathan and King.

He will be missed by his cruise ship buddies - Jacqui and Bob Kirk. He had a great time with the Army Recruiting retirees monthly lunch gang: Jacqui, Jaime, Larry, and Lisa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.