Geraldine Firrantello

Geraldine Firrantello, a spirited artist, composer and mother whose life was a vibrant tapestry of creativity and style fell asleep in death at her home in Beacon, NY following an unexpected illness on October 20, 2025. She was 87.
Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Geri, as she was affectionately known, moved to New York City as a young woman in the 1960's. There she cultivated a life steeped in artistic sensibility, introspection, and intellectual curiosity. Her passions ranged from fashion, including all things cashmere, to antiques, textiles, plants, music, cooking, and the written word-including deep study of the Bible. She had a researcher's mind-always asking, exploring, and learning. Each interest was a thread in the richly woven fabric of her identity. She was drawn to the ocean-a testament to the immense power of its Creator, Jehovah God-in whose memory Geri now rests. She is awaiting the promised resurrection to a paradise earth, where her family is looking forward to welcoming her back.
She was married to the acclaimed tenor saxophonist Joe Farrell, with whom she raised three children-Kathy, Joe, and Polly-in New York City. Later, as a single mother, she moved with her children to Florida to begin a new chapter, and give them the best life she could. She was a steadfast advocate for her daughter Polly, who was born deaf, and to whom she devoted much of her time and energy.
Friends and family remember Geri as stylish and expressive, with a wardrobe as bold and beautiful as her artistic creations. Her home was a sanctuary of her books, magazines, artwork, textiles, clothing, plants, and music-a reflection of a mind always in motion and a spirit attuned to beauty.
She is survived by her three children, Kathy, Joe, and Polly Firrantello, who carry forward her legacy of creativity and compassion and love for the ocean, and by two grandchildren, Joey Firrantello and Veronica (Matt, Dakota) Webb, of Florida.
In a world often too hurried for beauty, Geri paused to reflect on it and to create it, wear it, and live it. She approached life the way a jazz musician approaches a melody- with spontaneity, fluidity and a fearless readiness to improvise.
"I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all." - Ecclesiastes 9:11
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Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.