Obituary of Thomas R. Geiss

Our world lost a very good man this week. As a loving husband, dedicated father, brother and friend, and most of all a humble servant of God, Tom brought joy, love and humor into the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. On June 6th, the Lord welcomed Tom into his arms. He was most certainly greeted by his parents, Anthony and Josephine Geiss, his sister, Joanne Geiss and several other relatives and friends who predeceased him. Tom was born in Syracuse on August 6, 1957. He attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and Christian Brothers Academy. At CBA, Tom was involved in a variety of sports, including wrestling, football, track, cross country, and manager on the lacrosse team. He was involved in school projects and served as Class President / Salutatorian in his Senior Year. After high school, Tom attended Morrisville Community College, followed by Clarkson University where he received a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering. He later earned a Masters in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Tom had a full career in his chosen field, managing projects at companies such as American Bridge, Hull Corporation, Carrier Corporation and CDMSmith. Tom loved his work and oversaw both the building of new structures and the remediation of contaminated sites. Tom was a parishioner at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He also volunteered in projects such as meal prep for the Samaritan Center, Christmas gift projects, etc. In his community, Tom volunteered in youth sports and served for several years on the Founding Board for the John Pepper Memorial Lacrosse organization. There are many who mourn the loss of this smart, funny, integrity-driven man. He remains in the hearts of his loving wife, Deborah, his adoring children, Thomas (Katie) Geiss of Greenville, SC, and Sarah Geiss (Tim Read) of Rochester, NY, his sister (and proud stem cell donor) Mary (Ken) Aucoin, his brother, Anthony (Linda) Geiss, and his twin brother, Gerald (Marguerite) Geiss. In addition, Tom leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He lived to entertain his whole family at his favorite spot on earth- his Skaneateles Lake cottage. Tom will be remembered at a wake on Monday, June 12th from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave, Syracuse, NY 13219. His life will be celebrated at a Mass on Tuesday, June 13th at 10am at St. Joseph's Church 5600 West Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-Western and Central New York Chapter at 4043 Maple Road, Suite 105, Amherst, NY 14226.