Obituary of Francis J. Geary Jr.

Francis J. Geary Jr. (Duffy), 91 of Peabody, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep after a long illness, on September 13, 2020. He was born August 20, 1929 in Chelsea, Massachusetts where he grew up. He attended the Chelsea Public School system and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served for two years and was honorably discharged. Shortly after, he was employed at Butler Aviation at Logan Airport. He worked there for thirty-one years until his retirement in 1991. In 1961, Mr. Geary married Eva (Angie) Kirlis of Peabody at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church. Peabody has been their home ever since. Duffy was best known for his jokes, his generosity and his dancing abilities. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife to Aruba, Bermuda and Las Vegas, and the many trips to Disney World with his family. He loved spending time and making memories with his three grandchildren. He also enjoyed family get togethers, dinners and holidays. He is survived by his wife Eva, his daughter Lisa Palazola, his son Steven F. Geary and his daughter-in-law Susan Geary, his sister Roseanna Festa and his brother-in-law Frederick Festa, his grandchildren Brian Palazola, Lauren Palazola and Steven W. Geary, and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Francis J. Geary Sr. and Mary Helen Targee Geary, his sisters, Margaret Margossian, Theresa Liadis, and Ann Calloway, and his brothers, Charles Geary and Anthony Geary. Family members and friends are invited to Cedar Grove Cemetery, 100 Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody on Thursday, September 17,2020 at 9:50 AM for a short service. We ask that all who attend respect our wishes to wear a mask and maintain social distancing to ensure the health and safety of everyone. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445-7226 in his name and memory