Paul Alfred Geerinck

June 29, 1931 – December 29, 2024

Paul Alfred Geerinck, 93, Carmel, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. He was born June 29, 1931, to Marcel and Louise (Muller) Geerinck of Patterson, N.J.

He grew up not far away in North Haledon, N.J. When reflecting on his life, he often said, “I had a wonderful life!” Paul loved the outdoors. He had a degree in forestry and taught his children much about plants and wildlife. He was a graduate of the University of Maine where he received a Bachelor of Science degree.

He entered the service soon after, and was a First Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps. He served in both New Jersey and Georgia. He loved serving his country and always felt fortunate to have met his lovely bride through that time. Paul followed up his stint in the army with a career in communications. He worked for 35 years for GTE/Verizon and retired as a lobbyist. His work brought him into the smallest towns as well as the boardrooms.

Paul had an interest in everything around him. He loved to attend Irish picnics, Scottish festivals, Greek nightclubs, jazz clubs, Amish communities. He also loved plays and live music. Everywhere he went, he made friends. That was truly Paul’s biggest interest in life – meeting people. He loved to talk to people, and within minutes, he would learn their life story. He would never part without sharing a joke with his friends; he loved to make others laugh.

Paul was raised in the world of racing. His dad was a retired local racecar driver. As a boy he would help his father start cars at the local track with a tow, then take an extra lap for fun. With his friends, he would sneak into the pits and experience the excitement up close. When he moved to Indianapolis, he became a lifelong fan of the Indianapolis 500. He was often at the track, in the garage and pits, during the month of May. He passed that love onto his children and grandchildren.

Paul was a natural teacher. He spent years teaching sixth-grade faith formation. This was a true joy for him. He also sponsored many people into the church through RCIA, taught and participated in Bible studies, and enjoyed participating and organizing various retreats. He was proud to be 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus.

Paul loved his family and is survived by his beloved wife Marjorie; son, David Geerinck (Donna Torczan); daughters, Kathryn Geerinck and Anne (Sam) Thomas. He was blessed with grandchildren, Joshua Geerinck (Claire Jarvis), Alana Thomas and Bo Thomas; sister, Marcella Aschenbrenner, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in both New Jersey and Georgia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel.

Burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Ind., where Military Honors will be provided.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements. Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com