Dennis J. Geer passed away Saturday August 15, 2026 with his loving family by his side at SUNY Upstate Medical Center.

Dennis was born January 25, 1957 in Utica, NY to Earl and Grace (Gage) Geer and educated in the Holland Patent Central School District.  After high school , Dennis earned his associates degree in business from Mohawk Valley Community College.  On September 11, 1976 Dennis was united in marriage to Gail Schaaf and they would celebrate forty-nine Years of marriage.  They spent those years raising a family, loving one another through all the moments of their lives.

Dennis was a jack of all trades who worked as a facilities director for the Oriskany Central School District and finishing his career at Holland Patent Central School District. Prior to his school career he worked as an area supervisor for McDonalds.  Both careers brought him many friends and loved ones.  Dennis had various hobbies and was always quick with a one liner on the golf course or at the poker table.  He was an avid participant in the scratch off lottery ticket life style enjoying a loving partnership with Gail, in the wins and the losses.  When the scratch offs were not the big game in town you could find him tinkering in the garage, repairing a small engine for someone who needed to tend their landscaping and lawn.  Dennis was always the person to call when you needed someone who knew a little bit about everything in a time of need.  During the fall, you could always find him rooting for his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys during football season.  Much like in his friendships he stuck by them through thick and thin.  When you needed to find Dennis at a gathering you would look to where the babies were.  He was always the person who could settle a fussy baby or make a toddler or child giggle.  He was known as the “baby whisperer.”

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Gail A. (Schaaf) Geer, his daughter Danielle (Dominick) Martell and son Justin “Juss” Geer.   His well-loved grandsons, Dominick and Rocco Martell were always his first thought.  A brother, David (Colleen) Geer, brother in law, James Waterman and a sister-in-law, Lauri Schaaf and Steve Toepp.  He was also survived by a large group of nieces and nephews, by blood and by choice whom he loved and adored.  Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Grace Geer, his brother Richard Geer, his sister Linda Waterman and his in-laws, Kenneth and Betty Schaaf.

A special mention to the brothers and sisters of his heart, Sam Ingro, Dave Harvey, Barbara Staring and Donna Vanderlan.

Funeral Services for Dennis will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10:00 am from the Heintz Funeral Service Inc. located at 1517 Whitesboro Street, Utica, NY 13502 with burial to follow at Holland Patent Cemetery.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Heintz.  Memorial contributions can be made in Dennis’ memory to the American Heart Association or the Holland Patent Sports Boosters.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.