Vincent Geraci Class of June 1932

Submitted by Pauline Rute Hall 1952 <Grammypgh@aol.com> on 08/Nov/2011
205.188.116.142

Message:

    Vincent Geraci , On Friday morning of November 4th 2011, the Honorable Vincent Geraci, Esq. passed away after an illness in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of Joseph Geraci and Maria Moncada Geraci, born on October 3, 1914, in Pachino, Sicily. He came to the United States and Newburgh, NY in 1921 at seven years of age. After graduating from Newburgh Free Academy, he attended Butler University and the Indiana Business College in Indianapolis, IN. Vincent returned to Newburgh to marry Olive Marie McCurry, known to all as Bunny. Vincent joined the Navy in 1942 and served until 1946. He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and earned his JD from NYU Law School. After passing the New York State Bar Exam in 1956, he began his professional career by joining the law firm of Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett in New York City. Subsequently, he worked for New York State Assemblyman Daniel Becker in Newburgh. He became chief counsel for the New York State Assembly Education Committee. In 1966 he opened his private practice at 8 Mill Street, next to Geraci's Market. He served as Italian consul agent for the Hudson Valley, serving for two years. In 1973, Mr. Geraci was appointed acting City Judge for the City of Newburgh and served until 1986. While his initial appointment was to be a part time position, Judge Geraci served full time from 1975 to 1977 while the City Judge position was vacant. His time on the bench is remembered for his integrity and fairness. Many Newburgh residents who knew him have a story of how he helped them, did them a favor, or how he just did the right thing. He maintained his law practice until 2006 when, at age 92, he retired. He was an avid ice skater and supporter of the Newburgh Ice Skating Club. He was a member of the Newburgh Optimist Club and the Orange County Bar Association. He was a dedicated music lover, playing axophone in bands in college and regularly attending jazz festivals after his retirement from the bench. Vincent is survived by two sons, Daniel Geraci, married to Rhinda, living in Indianapolis, IN and Dean Geraci, who is married to Delphine Geraci, living in Shelton CT. Vincent's grandchildren are Lisa Baltis, married to Steven, of Texas, Steven Geraci of Missouri and Stella Geraci and Vincent Geraci of Connecticut; Vincent has two great-grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Balisis; nephew, Joseph Geraci II. nieces, Elaine and Gloria Geraci; great niece, Mary Gayle Kelder and her husband, August; great nephews, Joseph III Geraci, Gregory Geraci and his wife, Maria, Richard Geraci and his wife, Elaine. He is also survived by cousins, Valdo and Mary Moncada of North Carolina, Emilia and Delbert Knoohuizen of Ohio. Vincent was predeceased by his wife, Olive (McCurry), sister, Deadota Moncada, and brother, Sebastian and his wife, Mary Geraci. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Hudson Valley Funeral Home Inc. 239 Quassaick Ave. (Rte94) New Windsor, NY 12553. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, with Pastor Daivd M. Ballou officaiting, burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to: New Windsor/Cornwall Optimist Club P.O. Box 4560 New Windsor, NY 12553. Arrangements are under the care of Anthony V. Cracolici of the Hudson Valley Funeral Home, Inc. hudsonvalleyfh.com or 845-562-4411.