Geoffrey Harter

Geoffrey J. Harter of Ossining, NY passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020.  Born January 26, 1948 in Rochester, NY he was the middle child (siblings Pete and Laurie) of Donald and Ruth Harter.  A devoted family man, a loving husband, father and doting grandfather, Geoff is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Suzanne, his two children, son David, David’s wife Melissa, and daughter Kimberly Cowan, with husband Brooks Cowan.  His five grandchildren, Gabrielle O’Neal, Andrew Cowan, Molly Cowan, Charlotte Harter, Tyson Harter and his sister Laurie Harter, also survive him.

Geoff was well known for his distinguished tenures at Pace University and the Town of Ossining.  Geoff was a 6-term councilman for the Town of Ossining serving the community for 24 years.  He was a member of the Recreation Advisory Board as the Town Liaison.  Geoff proudly spent 33 years at Pace University where he held positions including Dean of Students at the Pleasantville campus and Director of Housing of the New York City campus.  A mentor to countless Pace students and a member of multiple University boards, he is credited as a founding member of the Pace University Lacrosse program.  Geoff also served as the announcer for Women’s Basketball and Men’s Lacrosse at Pace.

Geoff received his Bachelors Degree from Hobart University, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity, and lettered in Lacrosse and Football.  Geoff served his country with pride in the United States Air Force.  After his honorable discharge he would go on to receive his Master’s degree in Higher Education from Columbia University.  It was at Columbia where he would meet the love of his life, Suzanne Troxell whom he would later marry and begin their family.

Geoff also served as a deacon at the Congregational Church of Briarcliff Manor where he sang alongside Suzie in the church choir.  He had a true passion for life and will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, selflessness, and sense of humor.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed canoeing, white water rafting, softball and golf.  Geoff was a die-hard New York Giants fan and an always-visible supporter of Ossining youth sports.  He will be remembered for his gratitude and cheer, a man who found joy in coaching his children and cheering on his grandchildren on the fields of Ossining. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 PM at Waterbury & Kelly Funeral Home in Briarcliff Manor, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations by made in Geoff’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the NYS Veteran's Home at Montrose.

WATERBURY & KELLY FUNERAL HOME

1300 Pleasantville Road

Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510

914-941-0838

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