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- Canadice: On September 26, 2019, at age 91, Buzz passed peacefully at his home on Honeoye Lake. Predeceased by his parents William & Ida (Donner) Geartz and seven siblings. Survived by his wife of 69 years Mary Ann (Estony) Geartz; children, Gerrett (Melinda) Geartz and Nancy (Barry) Nagel all of Canadice; grandchildren, Jennie (Michael) Ott, Tyler (Kala Stein) Nagel, Taber Geartz, Elisabeth (Robb) Delisanti, Caitlin (Michael) Conklin, Jared Nagel, Todd (Jennifer) Geartz, Catherine (Joel) West, and Jordan Nagel; 10 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Born in 1928 at the family farm in Ransomville, NY, Buzz was the youngest of eight children. From a young age Buzz was taught the core values of Faith, Family, and Hard Work; principles he lived by throughout his life and would impart on generations to follow.
In 1946 at the age of 17 Buzz enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served until 1948 and later in the Korean War for two years. During this time he married Mary Ann, his high school sweetheart and love of his life.
Buzz was a dedicated husband and father. He prided himself on being a provider for his family. Always an extremely hard working individual Buzz had many jobs, sometimes three at a time to support his wife and family. He worked at the farm, local factories, dry cleaning deliveries, as a Bardahl Oil salesman and finally as an ironworker where his skills matched the requirements of the trade.
His passion and strength in leading others enabled him to quickly move through the ranks. In 1963 Buzz started Tri-Steel Construction and grew it into the largest reinforcing steel contractor in Western New York.
Many people do not know that Buzz was also a gifted auctioneer, a skill learned from his father who did household auctions in the Wilson, NY area. At one time the auctioneering business was growing so fast that he had to make a decision on which business to continue.
Buzz loved sports, boating, gardening and most of all his grandchildren. In his retirement years many Honeoye residents would see Buzz teaching his grandkids the value of hard work at Honeoye Commons, where he maintained the landscaping and utilized them as his crew.
Buzz called many places home over his lifetime – Ransomville, Newfane, Pittsford, Honeoye and Marco Island. He loved Honeoye and the many friendships he cultivated. He was active with the Honeoye Lake Rotary and hosted Camp Honeoye for many years. He was an engaged member of the Marco Island Lutheran church and never missed an opportunity to volunteer and share his faith with others.
He was blessed to be surrounded in his final year by wonderful caregivers who offered unparalleled love and support for both Buzz and his entire family.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, October 1st, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Buzz’s Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, October 2nd, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 8961 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Burial, with US Marine Corps Honors, will follow at Richmond Center Cemetery, Honeoye. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Honeoye Lake Rotary Club, PO Box 674, Honeoye, NY 14471 or the Richmond Fire Dept. & Ambulance, PO Box 469, Honeoye, NY 14471. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
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1928 - 2019 (91 years)