WESTFIELD: Joseph John Geehern, Jr., 68, (1953-2022) who shared his religious faith and love of music at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield and at other area churches, died on April 23, 2022. Joe was an organist and choir member at St. Mary’s for nearly 50 years. He was known for his faithfulness, kindness and generosity. He was a member of the Men of St. Joseph at St. Mary’s Church; the Knights of Columbus; the Greater Westfield Choral Association; and the Springfield Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He played the Carillon during the summer at Stanley Park in Westfield. Joe was a retired associate of Big Y Foods.
Born in Boston to Marguerite T. (Gorman) Geehern and Joseph J. Geehern, Sr., Joe leaves a brother and sister-in-law, Christopher P. and Terese A. Geehern of Marstons Mills; his nephew, Gregory J. Geehern of Princeton, New Jersey; his niece, Mary G. Lavoie, and her husband, David P. Lavoie, of Freeport, Maine; and two grand-nieces. Joe was pre-deceased by his parents.
Joe’s family is grateful to the many medical professionals and caregivers who provided compassionate care during Joe’s illness. The family also extends its thanks to the staff and residents of The Arbors at Westfield, where Joe happily lived the final years of his life.
At the request of the family, services and burial will be private. A celebration of Joe’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Parish, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA, 01085; or the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. www.firtionadams.com
