Barry J. Geller

1942 - 2015

Barry J.
Geller
UTICA
Barry Joel Geller, 73, of Acacia Village in Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at his home at Acacia Village. He was born on July 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Sidney and May (Sueker) Geller. He was formerly a resident of Geneva, Switzerland. He is survived by his son, Michael Geller, and the light of his life - granddaughter, Rebekah, of Whitesboro, NY; brothers, Douglas Geller and wife, Aysel, of Las Vegas, NV, and George Geller, of Long Beach, NY. He also leaves a nephew, Neal Geller, of Chicago, IL, and a niece, Nancy Geller Casey, of Henderson, NV, and their families. He leaves behind many near and dear friends around the world, especially his cherished lifelong best friend, George Zannos, of NYC. He was predeceased by his wives, Rosalind (Katz) and Roberta (Lieb). He was a graduate of Long Beach (NY) HS, American University (BA), Cornell Law School (JD) and NYU Law School (LLM). Barry's 40-year career in banking began with United States Trust Company of NY, specializing in trust and estates, then Chase Manhattan Bank in various senior capacities in the Bank's international and domestic private banking groups, including General Manager of Chase Manhattan Bank (Switzerland). Subsequent career moves were to Traveler's Smith Barney to set up an offshore trust company in the Cayman Islands, then to American Express Bank, Geneva, as Deputy General Manager. He retired in 2006. In the course of his career, Barry became recognized as a specialist in domestic and international estate matters. He spoke on occasion at The Practicing Law Institute, published several articles in Trust & Estates Magazine and taught courses on such subjects as offshore trusts, taxes, and wealth planning. He was known for his interest in poetry and for his passion for fine wine and the performing arts. He had an unwavering commitment to excellence and accepted with calm courage and dignity his debilitating illnesses. He will be remembered by his family and those who had the privilege to know or work with him for his generosity, sense of humor and wise counsel. Funeral services were private and entrusted to Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral Home in Whitesboro, NY. His ashes will be lovingly placed by Michael and Rebekah on a special journey to France and Switzerland per his request. For online expressions of sympathy, please go to: www.dfwefh.com