Louis Richard Géczy (Géczy Lajos)

Louis Richard Géczy (Géczy Lajos), age 84, of Street, Maryland passed away on November 9, 2023, at his home. Born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on February 15, 1939, he was the son of the late Louis and Julia (Magyar) Géczy and husband of Louise Brink Géczy for 54 years. 

In addition to his wife Louise, Louis (Lou) is survived by his daughters, Michelle Géczy, Jessica Géczy-Shertzer, and Allison Fordyce; sons by marriage, Michael Shertzer and Brad Fordyce; grandchildren, Ellery and Adeline Shertzer and Tate, Grayce, and Nash Fordyce; and sister, Jeanette Wiegand. 

Lou also had four other sisters, the late Julia, Evelyn, Goldie, and Eleanor, and grandson, Jack Shertzer.

Lou had a long and distinguished 30-year career as an educator. He had an innate ability to make learning fun, engaging, and relatable. He taught Social Studies (with a focus on psychology, philosophy, and sociology), at Parkville High School for 28 years, and also volunteered as senior class sponsor for many years, retiring in 1998. He began his career in Florida, teaching as a graduate student at Florida State University while in a PhD program, and also at Eau Gallie High School, where he met his wife, Louise, also an educator. 

Lou’s family and friends will remember him for his quick wit and sense of humor, love of family, lifelong friendships, and excellence as an educator. He valued family, his faith, and his Hungarian heritage. He was proud of his service to his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. A graduate of Florida State University, he was an avid Seminoles’ fan. He found joy in the simple things: working on the family farm in his garden or being on his tractor, spending time with family and friends, his cats, a good steak, and rooting for his football teams, Florida State, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a steady presence, always supportive of everyone he crossed paths with, and ready to lend a helping hand. 

Engraved on a plaque given to him by students from his early days of teaching in 1968/1969, Lou’s words of encouragement to dream big and live life to the fullest live on, “It was only a while ago you said, take the seat by the window. You’ll see more.”

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, November 19 at 10am, followed by a military burial and interment and gathering at the family home.  All are invited to attend the military burial and interment at 12pm at Darlington Cemetery (Shuresville Road, Darlington, MD 21034) followed by a post-service gathering at the family home at 1pm. Contact the family for information and directions to the private Celebration of Life Service if invited, and post-interment gathering at the family home. 

Contributions may be made to the Air Force Aid Society online at AFAS Merit Scholarship | Air Force Helps Pay For College | AFAS  or by mail: 550 Crystal Drive, Suite 809, Arlington, VA 22202) or to the Wounded Warrior Project (online: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or by mail: P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516).