William C. Geary, a respected attorney and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2025, surrounded by his family in Lowell, Massachusetts. He was 96 years old. Geary, known affectionately as Bill, was the devoted husband of the late Nancy Geary, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.
Born on May 25, 1929, in Lowell, Bill was the son of former Lowell Mayor and Massachusetts State Senator William C. Geary and Catherine E. Geary. He grew up in the Acre neighborhood, where he formed lasting connections with family and friends. Bill received his early education at St. Patrick School and Keith Academy.
His commitment to service extended to his military career as a World War II veteran. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed in Korea during the occupation. For his service, he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.
Following his military service, Geary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame in 1953. He later graduated from the New England School of Law and began a career that would see him become a prominent figure in the legal community. Initially, he served as the First Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County before establishing his own law firm, Geary & Geary, alongside his brother, the late Eugene R. Geary.
Bill was known for his expertise in eminent domain cases and was a respected trial attorney. His involvement in politics was significant; he served as Chairman of the Democratic City Committee, often drawing inspiration from his political hero, Abraham Lincoln, whose portrait he prominently displayed in his office.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was deeply cherished by his family. He was actively engaged in the lives of his children and grandchildren, providing them with wise counsel and support. He is survived by five of his six children: William C. Geary III, Catherine M. Geary, Stephen B. Geary, John C. Geary, and Nancy Geary Funaro, as well as ten grandchildren and six great-grandsons.
Bill was an avid golfer, known for his quick pace on the course. He held memberships at Andover Country Club and Longmeadow Golf Club. One memorable birthday saw a bald eagle soaring just above him while he played golf. He also enjoyed reading, particularly the works of Charles Dickens, and playing card games like Forty-Fives. His enthusiasm for sports, especially local teams such as the Red Sox and Patriots, was well-known, and he frequently traveled to South Bend for Notre Dame football games with family.
In addition to his children, Bill is survived by his sister Marie Donovan and sisters-in-law Dorothea Kelley and Virginia Geary. He was predeceased by his son Joseph P. Geary in 1986, along with several siblings and in-laws.
Friends and family may pay their respects on November 24, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church in Lowell from 9:30 to 11:15 A.M. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 A.M., with private committal services for the family afterward. Those wishing to honor Bill’s memory can make donations to St. Patrick School or the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell.
Arrangements have been handled by the O’Donnell Funeral Home in Lowell. Bill Geary’s legacy of love, humor, and dedication will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.