Geil, Terrence G October 28, 1938 - April 21, 2026

Terrence (Terry) George Geil, 87, of Yonkers, NY, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Terry later lived in Mount Vernon and spent his last few years in Yonkers. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Cathleen (Cathy) (Burke) Geil, in 2024, and by his brother, John C. Geil.

Terry is survived by his loving children: Patricia A. Geil of Bethlehem, PA, and Kevin T. Geil and his wife, Sarah Maroun Geil, of Lake Placid, NY, and his cherished granddaughter, Nadia C. Geil. He is also survived by his sister, Eileen (Geil) Moran of Queens, NY, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Terry proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending 18 months stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. He served as a dedicated member of the New York City Police Department for 20 years, retiring with the rank of lieutenant.  He led with empathy, always remembering that it was his sworn duty to protect and serve. Terry continued to serve the City of New York with that empathy through more than two decades of work as a teacher, dean, and golf coach at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx.

A man of deep faith, Terry was a longtime member of the choir at St. Mary’s/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, attending daily mass there with Cathy for many years. Terry’s faith left him deeply committed to justice; he was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri in 1962 for standing up for racial equality by joining a lunch-counter protest. The Army wanted to discipline him for “conduct unbecoming” but was thwarted by a St. Louis Member of Congress who applauded his commitment to equal rights.

Terry loved to sing, especially the pop hits of the fifties and sixties and the songs of the Clancy Brothers. He participated in a barbershop group, and a theater group singing oldies and show tunes. Terry was known for his outgoing nature and enthusiasm for spending time with family and friends, often over a shared meal. He also enjoyed golf and traveling.  Many of his family and friends have great memories of visiting the Geils at Schroon Lake to join them swimming, boating or skiing. Terry will be remembered for his warmth, his voice, and the joy he brought to those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Holy Mount Cemetery in Scarsdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the Fresh Air Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.