Geary James Burke, age 71, of Zanesfield, died peacefully Sunday, June 8, 2025, at his home with his loving wife by side.
He retired from The State of Ohio Job and Family Services, where he was a representative for placement of veterans for employment.
A veteran of the United States Navy, he was a member of Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed American Veterans. Following his physical rehabilitation from an automobile accident in 1974, he participated and enjoyed wheelchair basketball and marathons.
A lover of music, he owned an extensive collection of eight tracks, CDs and vinyl. Geary liked spending his evenings watching sports events, especially his favorite team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. A man of generosity, kindness and strong will, he liked taking care of people and thought of himself as a comedian. Family was his greatest passion.
He was born May 26, 1954 at the Las Vegas, Nevada Air Force Base to the late Richard and Eleanor Geary Burke.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his nephews, Tim Cappell and Jon Burke.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Jessica Whitmore Burke; his children, Alissa (Mike) Vanselow of Loveland, Shannon (Mike) Nelson of Pataskala and Brianna (Damen) O’Cain of Pataskala, Haley (Jackson) Isaacs, Jamie (Kell) Isaacs, Tabitha (Nickalei) Isaacs and Cheyenne Isaacs; his grandchildren, Trey, Ryan, Jack, Lukas, Theodore, Elliana, Mira and Eleanor; his siblings, Kathy (Mike) Cappell of Groveport, Julie (Jim) Voss of Columbus and Brian (Deb) Burke of Reynoldsburg; his in-laws, Danny and Tami Wiseman of Vinton County; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, June 12, at Underwood Funeral Home in Marysville, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be conducted at Zanesfield Cemetery.
The family requests that callers wear Navy blue and white attire in tribute to his military service. Pastor Danny Wiseman will officiate. A dinner will follow the cemetery prayers.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.
