Geraci, III, Joseph

Joseph Geraci III, 93, of Wethersfield, CT, passed away on March 16, 2024, at Jefferson House in Newington, CT. Born in Hartford, Joe lived in Wethersfield for 64 years. With kindness toward everyone, and a willingness to help others, Joe was the go-to fix it guy neighbors could always rely on. He treated everyone like family. He was the first to strike up a conversation with strangers and made a new friend in everyone he met. A self-taught locksmith, Joe served as the locksmith for Trinity College for 28 years where he was highly regarded by students and faculty alike. He initiated the transition from key locks to combination locks on dormitory rooms, one of the first such campus installations in the country. Joe was curious and creative, and enjoyed coming up with inventive solutions to mechanical problems and repairs. He took great pride in his many gadgets and inventions. (We suspect he has already adjusted the hinges on the pearly gates.) Having a passion for video, Joe enjoyed making home movies, building the sets, and adding special effects. Besides bowling and fishing, he was an avid setback player, who looked forward to his weekly games at the Wethersfield Senior Center with all his dear friends. He will also be remembered for his unique and original costumes worn on holidays and at special events there. Beloved by all there, he was fondly referred to as Joe Penny, for the personalized stamped good luck pennies he made for his friends and their families. Always having a big heart, Joe also stamped New York State quarters and attached them to red, white, and blue ribbons to be given as awards of remembrance and honor to heroes, and families of the fallen on 911. As a teen he attended the Barnum and Bailey circus the day of the infamous fire and helped a woman get her infant to safety. When his 90th birthday occurred during the early days of the pandemic and he couldn't celebrate at the senior center, his friends helped arrange a large drive by parade that included the Wethersfield Police, Fire Department, Ambulance, and numerous friends and family.

Son of the late Joseph and Theresa Geraci, he was predeceased by his wife Anna Mandile Geraci, his brother Peter, and his sisters Marion and Jeanne. Joe leaves his son Peter Geraci of Rocky Hill, two daughters, Debra Geraci Stage (husband Brian) of Minneapolis, and Susan Geraci Marhefki (husband Scott) of Wethersfield, three grandsons, David Stage of Minneapolis, Matthew Marhefki of Wallingford, Kevin Marhefki of Wethersfield, and beloved nieces and nephews. Joe will be dearly missed by all. Joe's children would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff members at Jefferson House who treated him and us like family. A private family memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in memory of Joe can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html