PORTLAND – Charles “Chuck” German Geer passed away at home in Portland on March 16, 2023 with his loving caregiver/roommate/sister Daryl by his side.

In February 2019, on his return flight from visiting family in Florida, he experienced shortness of breath. He went directly from the Portland Jetport to the hospital where he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. For 4 years, he fought the good fight and never complained. There was no gloom and doom at the condo; he and Daryl celebrated each evening with an enjoyable Happy Hour!

Chuck was born in Ancon, Panama. His proud birth parents were Charles German and Marion “Petie” Hurlbett German. His mother contracted polio while pregnant with him and was in an iron lung. He was born 3 months premature and weighed 2.5 pounds. Shortly after she delivered him, “Petie” held him and named him “Baby Chuck.” She died soon after. Chuck remained in the hospital and was placed in an incubator.

As his dad had two other young children (Lee and John), he needed care for his new premature son, Chuck. He asked for assistance from his sister “Mena” Geer an RN and her husband Dr. George I. Geer, Jr. When Chuck had gained enough weight to travel, his Aunt Mena flew to Panama to bring Chuck to South Portland, where he joined his Uncle George and three happy cousins.

His dad, Charlie, came to visit him in Maine a couple of times and planned to bring him back to Panama the following year. But that was not meant to be as he died of a heart attack soon after.

Chuck’s sister, Lee and brother, John moved to Connecticut to live with their maternal grandmother.

Chuck’s Aunt Mena and Uncle George adopted him, so they became Mom and Dad and his cousins Daryl, Debbie and Steve were now his siblings. All through the years, Chuck had close contact with Lee and John.

Chuck grew up in South Portland and Higgins Beach. He attended South Portland High School where he was active in the Key Club. He graduated in 1969. He then went to the University of Maine in Orono graduating with a BA in 1975.

He worked at Eastern Book in Portland for many years. He then became an attentive caregiver to his dad until his passing in 2002. His next job was with Rosemont Pharmacy where he delivered prescriptions throughout the Greater Portland area. His final position before he retired was with the TSA at the Portland Jetport.

Chuck was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed riding his bike. He did extensive traveling: road trips, cruises, flying near and far. One trip stood out: a cruise that included the Panama Canal with nine family members.

Chuck had a quick, dry wit and ready smile. He liked connecting with family and friends on Facebook. Pre-Covid, he regularly attended live cultural events.

Along with both sets of parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Debbie Geer Atwill and her son Mark and his brother George I. Geer III (Steve).

He is survived by his sister Daryl Geer, brother John German and wife Debbie, sister Lee Warzecha and husband Ed, sister-in-law Maureen Geer Daffner and husband Howard; nieces Dayna Valente and husband Nick, Julia Geer, Allison Parks and husband Will; great niece Finley Parks, great nephew George Parks; aunt Belle Robinson (age 100) sister of his birth mother; as well as, many cousins and innumerable friends that he treasured.

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care Chuck received from his pulmonologist, Dr. Meagan Moore and Northern Light Home Care & Hospice.

Due to Covid and its complications for others, plus most immediate family being in distant locations, per Chuck’s request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. He will be buried at Brooklawn Cemetery in Portland next to his parents, George and Mena Geer.

Arrangements are being made through Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland.