Michael James Geary

Michael J. Geary of Naples, Fl., formerly of Rumson, N.J., died peacefully on the morning of June 3, 2022 at the age of 101 at Avow Hospice surrounded by his two loving daughters, Patty Kennedy and Kathy Rogers.  Mike lived independently at the Carlisle up until two weeks prior to his death.

He was devoted to his family. Mike was pre deceased by his wife of 71 years, Ruth (Burns) Geary, his son Donald J. Geary, and his son-in-law, Robert W. Kennedy. Mike is survived by his daughter Pat Kennedy of Naples, Fl.; daughter Kathy Rogers(Kevin) of Rumson, N.J.; daughter-in-law Debbie Geary, North Long Branch, N.J.; grandchildren Kristi Kennedy Labs (Dan), Robert Kennedy Jr., Brian Kennedy, Tara Moran(Brian), Kiersten Mahon(Neil), Shane Rogers(Jessica), Laura Geary, John Clevenger, Jed Clevenger(Kristy), 27 great grandchildren and his dear friend Muriel Kammerer.

Born in February 1921 in Nutley, N.J.,  Mike enlisted in the Air Force during World War ll.  He had a successful career rising through the ranks at New Jersey Bell and AT&T. In 1970 he was asked to join Bell Laboratories to create a vision for the management of complex nationwide communication networks. He assembled a team of hundreds of scientists and engineers to create one of the largest and most sophisticated software programs, TIRKS, which implemented his vision for hands-free telephone network management. His accomplishments and leadership skills were widely recognized and Mike was promoted to Laboratory Director. Dozens of the young engineers that he recruited and developed went on to senior executive positions at Bell Labs and other Fortune 500 companies.

Mike’s success at Bell Labs and later at it’s’ successor Bellcore stemmed from his deep knowledge of the phone business coupled with an extraordinary talent for leading and encouraging his staff to go above and beyond what others thought possible. The TIRKS system he created is now used all over the USA and in many countries around the world. 

In addition to his business and engineering skills Mike lived life to the fullest. He was a great athlete and a Song and Dance Man. He was always the best dancer in the room. Everyone loved spending time with him and listening to his stories. Mike was a great role model and inspiration to all of his family.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St Ann’s Catholic Church at 11 am Saturday June 11th.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill La., Naples, Fl. 34105.