PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  The Rev. Geoffrey John Deeker, CSS, in residence at St. Joseph's Church, was born to eternal life on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in Dalton. He was 86 years old, a member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers for 66 years, and in his 61st year of priesthood.

Father Geoff was born on Dec. 26, 1933, in Somerville, the only child to the late Geoffrey A. and Margaret M. Coughlan Deeker. After attending Boston College High School, he began his journey to the priesthood on Sept. 14, 1948, when he entered the Stigmatine community in Waltham and professed his first vows on June 22, 1954. His perpetual profession came five years later on June 22, 1959. After completing his theological studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., he was ordained on June 4, 1960, at St. Peter's Church in Cambridge by Bishop Thomas Riley. From that day onward, he ministered to the People of God with faith, integrity and perseverance.

A devoted member of the Stigmatine community, Father Geoff had an affable personality, quietly sensitive to the people whom he served. He ministered in several communities, always with humility and grace. He served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsfield, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Springfield, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Waltham. Father Geoff also generously made himself available to assist with Stigmatine community needs in developing vocations and organizing the liturgy for special occasions. He often volunteered to act as recording secretary for many Stigmatine Provincial Chapters and assemblies, a tedious yet necessary function.

Until its closure in 2008, Father Geoff was the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsfield, where he had served for 21 years. He remained in the Berkshires, however, residing at St. Joseph's Church, assisting several local parishes with pastoral ministry, until declining health prevented him from doing what he most loved and enjoyed and had been his vocation for more than 60 years.

Father Geoff will always be remembered for his kindness and gentle nature, and of course, for the enthusiasm he had for whatever he was involved in at the moment. As a young priest he was an avid and stylish bowler and for a while was a devoted Scout chaplain. After a stint as chaplain to the Civil Air Patrol, he fell in love with all things aeronautical. But the most enduring memory of Father Geoff was his abiding and lively interest in the liturgical life of the church. He understood and cherished every aspect of Catholic liturgy and ritual. The liturgy, for Father Geoff, was not simply an historical experience. Father Geoff saw the liturgy as a beautiful and vibrant way to bring a person into the presence of God. He was convinced this was relevant in every age and for every person of any age.

In addition to his parents, Father Geoff is reunited in Heaven with his Stigmatine confreres who preceded him and many friends and parishioners he loved and served as a priest.

FUNERAL NOTICE:  A Liturgy of Christian Burial for the Rev. Geoffrey Deeker will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 414 North St., Pittsfield. A period of visitation will be available in the church on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and on Monday morning from 9:30 to 11. Committal will take place that afternoon at 3:30 in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 109 Medway Road, Milford.

Donations in Father Deeker's memory may be sent to the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health protocols, all who plan to attend are required to wear masks and maintain safe distancing. Bringing your own hand sanitizer is recommended. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.  Requiescat in Pace!