July 16, 1929 – Dec. 26, 2010


Thomas Lee Geller, a resident of Suffolk, Va., died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, after a brief illness. Tom was born to Roman and Mabel Geller and raised in Hartford, where he was a member of the Hartford High School Class of 1947.

    Tom went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Marquette University. He served his country in the Wisconsin National Guard, and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961-62, retiring with the rank of captain.

    He worked for the West Bend Company in West Bend from 1955 to 1971, where he held a number of positions, including manager of product planning. In 1971, he became vice president of operations for Nappe-Smith of Farmingdale, N.J., and in 1978 Nappe-Babcock of Richmond, Va.

    Although Tom was passionate about his work, his life was centered around his family. Small in stature, he was considered a giant among men by his four sons, Dr. Thomas (Jane) Geller of St. Louis, Mo., Michael (Linda) Geller of Vacaville, Calif., James (Ann) Geller of Blythewood, S.C., and Steven (Julie) Geller of Suffolk. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and his brother, Richard, of Waukesha.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie, in 2009. They were married for more than 56 years and active members of the Catholic faith.

    A celebration of life for Tom and Hattie will be held at the Horicon Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin this spring. For further details: mgneca@sbcglobal.net.

    Parr Funeral Home, 757-539-3487, is serving the family. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.