Herbert Francis "Herb" Geiling

Herbert ("Herb") Francis Geiling

Ashfield, MA - Herbert ("Herb") Francis Geiling (September 4, 1949 - February 28, 2026) of Ashfield, MA, suddenly and peacefully passed on from this world at the age of 76 surrounded by his family.

Herb was born in New York City, raised in Teaneck, NJ, and attended Xavier High School in Manhattan, a Jesuit Catholic school for boys. From his earliest days, he possessed a sharp and irreverent sense of humor and was a natural-born prankster.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in English, Herb moved to Randolph, Vermont where he taught 6th grade. His journey led him to Conway, MA, where he met the love of his life, Jean. They married in 1983 and settled in Ashfield to raise their three children: Luke, Ethan, and Caroline. More than anything, Herb was a most wonderful husband and father who filled the home with music, games, books, and a never-ending sense of fun. His devotion to Jean and his children was the foundation of his life, and his legacy lives on in the curiosity, open minds, and confident spirits he instilled in them.

Beloved by the Ashfield community where he lived for 42 years, Herb built a life surrounded by neighbors who became as close as family. He and Jean raised their children alongside a tight-knit group of friends, embodying the true spirit of the phrase "it takes a village."

Herb had an entrepreneurial career path. He opened a bicycle shop in Vermont, followed by another one in Conway (Pine Cycle Bicycles) with his brother Chris where they sold bikes and led tours. After a stint selling computers for HP, he launched his own business (Will Run Computers) in the 1990s during the early days of personal computing.

Herb was a deeply present father, helping with school projects, building theater sets, and coaching softball. Whether through extended letters from the tooth fairy, a shared book, or a fierce game of Scrabble, he had a unique gift for sparking imagination. From dreaming up magical backyard adventures to encouraging a love of reading, he instilled in his children a lifelong curiosity and a relentless sense of fun in everything they did.

He was predeceased by his parents, Herbert Sr. and Eleanor, and his brothers, Larry and Paul. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jean Ferris; his children, Luke, Ethan, and Caroline; and his siblings, Linda Gagne (Joe), Tricia Geiling (the late Walt), and Christopher Geiling. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Barb and a large, loving extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews on both the Geiling and Ferris sides.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tulgey Wood (www.tulgey.org), the Ashfield Fire Department (EMS), and Highland Ambulance EMS.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 23, 2026 at 2pm at The Congregational Church in Ashfield, MA, followed by a reception.

For condolences and more information, visit www.everloved.com/life-of/herb-geiling