Memorial

“My youngest child Geoffrey was a quiet and sensitive soul.  He had a gentle and compassionate nature, especially for those whom he thought were unable to advocate for themselves.  Geoff tried his best to alleviate others’ sufferings perhaps because he felt the pain from his own struggles with depression and anxiety.  My son was a warrior, fighting his disease when he had sufficient strength and hope, over many years. Geoffrey’s interactions with others reflected a private and introspective demeanor. Geoffrey was quiet, but quick with a smile and laugh.  Geoffrey enjoyed being in and working outdoors.  Geoffrey’s close friends found Geoff to be reliable, trustworthy and they had great fun paint-balling, hiking and camping. Geoffrey enjoyed animals and pets, especially his beloved cat, who always had a special place in his heart. As a child, Geoff enjoyed himself in nature, especially on our family vacations to our country’s National Parks.  Geoff had a natural curiosity for people and places.  Decorating our house for the holidays was one of Geoff’s favorite traditions.  Placing plastic eggs on the front yard tree for Easter and hanging handmade ornaments on the Christmas tree brought a huge smile to Geoffrey’s face.  Memorial Day holidays were spent at our town center while Geoff and his siblings marched along in their scout uniforms in the local parade.  Many happy summers were spent at Camp Squanto and every Boy Scout campout was greeted with happy expectations.  Beginning when Geoff first walked, planting and harvesting the backyard garden was a pleasurable pursuit every spring and summer for many years.  Enjoying campfires in the evening with the neighbors and eating too many s’mores was a frequent summer occurrence. Geoffrey loved to learn about U.S. history, especially the revolutionary and civil wars, through reading and travel.  Geoffrey toured Gettysburg on multiple occasions.  Geoffrey also loved listening to his favorite rap and rock music while he worked on his fitness routine or relaxing. One of Geoff’s most important goals was to finish his college education and graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology.  Geoffrey always wanted to obtain a career where he could succeed and find fulfillment. Geoff would have been a wonderful husband and father as he had so much love to share. I think Geoffrey always wanted to make his family proud of him as a son, brother and as a student.  Geoffrey regarded fairness and kindness to others as important values.  Geoffrey believed in the benefits of a college education to help him succeed in a satisfying career.  Geoffrey felt his life would be incomplete without the love of a life partner and a family of his own. Geoffrey showed his family unqualified love and appreciation.  Geoffrey was sincere in his concern for myself and our family and he could feel his and others emotions deeply.  He was astute but kept his observations to himself.  I admired Geoffrey’s compassion and his sensitivity.  Geoffrey tried for ten years to find a way to a sober life, many times entering treatment centers and programs to try his best for myself and his family.  Geoffrey knew how desperately I wanted him to achieve a healthy life and he continued to try even when he had given up hope for himself.  I gave my heart and soul to my youngest child and would have gladly taken up his burden.  I would like to think I have learned to be a more compassionate person because of my son’s struggles.  He has opened my eyes to another dimension of life, a community of people like Geoffrey who can’t see their worth in the world and self-medicate to try and manage their pain and depression.  After Geoffrey’s passing I have come to know some of the pain Geoffrey continually carried with him.  I admire him for being able to survive with this huge weight of sadness for as many years as he was able.” Written by Judy Kelly