Henry Frederick Geerken passed peacefully away at his winter home in South Carolina in the comfort of his wife Diane and daughter Katie on Friday January 15, 2016 at the age of 78. Henry is predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Ella Geerken, and brothers, Fred, John, and Richard. He is survived by his loving wife Diane of 35 years. Also surviving are his sister Lucia of Florida, daughter, Katie Geerken of Worcester, NY, son, Jay Geerken and wife Linda of Southwick, MA, son Joel Geerken and wife Michele of Waterville, Ohio, daughter Lisa Spina and husband Tim of Syracuse, NY and son Fred Geerken and wife Kristen of Denver, CO. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren (in order of age) Nickolas, Sasha, Alycia, Alex, Becky,Christopher, Emily, Jesse and Madelyn.

Henry was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from Worcester Central School in 1954 and received an Associate Degree from SUNY Cobleskill in 1956. He continued his education with a BS and MS from Cornell University. He taught at Delaware Community College for several years then returned to work in the family meat market then joined the Admissions Office at SUNY Cobleskill in 1969. He deeply valued education.

Henry was a dedicated member of St. Joseph's Church in Worcester, NY. He was the founder and publisher of the monthly newsletter "JAMIN". He was an avid columnist and penned a monthly column in the "Lifestyles" section of the Oneonta Daily Star. He also wrote a column for the UUP Retiree Newsletter. He was the "Bishop" for the West Davenport Free Baptist Church for 26 years, and captain of the KADEEGE Berth and Breakfast on the Hudson River for 10+ years.

He had a passion for sailing and watercolor painting as well as reading, storytelling, movies, music, and spending time with his family. In his early years, he was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing, and trips to fresh water lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. He passed his curiosity to explore the world, both on a big and small scale, to his children and grandchildren.

A character with a capital "C", Henry was known for his sense of humor, poorly told jokes, and beautiful tenor voice. He played a wicked hand of bridge, did crosswords in ink, and was a master with a hammer and duct tape. He was a foodie with a well developed sense of taste and enjoyed pottering around in the kitchen recreating his favorite restaurant dishes. His laughter was infectious, and his imagination was boundless. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all.

Condolences may be sent to Diane & Katie Geerken at 1106 Louise Costin Lane, Unit 1507, Murrell's Inlet, SC 29576.

Funeral Mass will be 9 a.m., Monday May 30, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Worcester, with The Rev. Ronald Green, as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family.