Charles J. Geist Jr.
Charles J. Geist Jr., 66, of Cape Coral passed away Aug. 18, 2011, after a long battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 25, 1945, in Philadelphia, a child of Charles J. and Dorothy (Retsky) Geist Sr.
He served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army. Coaching junior league football was one of his many passions in life. He made his mark teaching kids the fundamentals of the game for many years in Jenkintown and Abington, Pa., and most recently for the North Fort Myers Knights Pop Warner League. He influenced many young lives, made long lasting friendships and truly made a difference in the lives of his football family. He was the longtime owner/operator of Callahan’s Limousine Service.
Mr. Geist is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane (nee Pettigrew ), who he often said was the reason for his many successes; his children, Kristine (Anthony) McCollum of Somerset, Ky., Kelly Lomonaco of Cape Coral, Kate Geist of Cape Coral and Charles (Shannon) Geist of Erdenheim, Pa. He will be truly missed by his nine grandchildren, Hailey, McKenzie, Sidney and Jack McCollum, Samantha and Colby Lomonaco, Lily Caudill, Sarah Holland and Charlie Joy Geist, who he loved dearly. He also survived by his sister, Gerry (John) De Genova of Roanoke, Va., and many nephews and special friends, Chris and Ethan, Dixie and Daisy.
With the love and determination of his family and friends, Charlie made a valiant effort to fight the good fight in his battle with cancer. We would like to thank the staff at Bay Pines VA Medical Center for their care, compassion and support.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, his wishes were for everyone to perform a random act of kindness.
For details friends may watch the funeral home website and also sign the guest book for the family at www.horizonfunerals.com.