David Geary Obituary: A pioneering brewer and founder of D.L. Geary Brewing Company in Portland passed away at 78, leaving behind a legacy that influenced the craft beer industry.
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Who was David Geary?
David Geary was a visionary and pioneering brewer who, along with his wife Karen Geary, embarked on a remarkable journey to create something truly special in the world of craft beer. Their passion for producing world-class brews on a small scale for their local and regional community led them to establish the D.L. Geary Brewing Company in October 1983. In a time when microbreweries were scarce in the United States, David Geary dared to dream big.
He sought inspiration and knowledge from the brewing traditions of Scotland and England, immersing himself in the art and science of brewing in small commercial breweries. It was during this time that Geary’s Pale Ale, a true testament to the essence of British brewing, was born. It incorporated elements from some of the finest breweries in Britain, setting the stage for the remarkable journey ahead.
With unwavering determination, David and Karen Geary meticulously developed a business plan that encompassed every aspect of their venture. From searching for the perfect real estate to designing captivating packaging and raising the necessary funds, their dedication was palpable. The fruits of their labor came to life on a historic day, December 10, 1986, when the first pints of Geary’s Pale Ale, adorned with its distinctive lobster label, were joyfully sold. Portland and New England had witnessed the birth of their first microbrewery, marking the beginning of a revolution in craft beer.
As the Geary’s brand flourished, so did their product line, expanding to seven full-time offerings and three seasonal specialties, extending their reach to fifteen states. Among their signature brews were Geary’s Pale Ale, the beacon of their portfolio, Geary’s Hampshire Special Ale, Geary’s London Porter, and Geary’s India Pale Ale. Each sip of their creations carried the essence of passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
David Geary’s journey was not without its challenges and heartache. In 2013, he faced the tragic loss of his beloved Karen Geary, a partner in both life and business. Yet, his resilience and dedication to their shared vision remained unshaken.
In 2017, David made the difficult decision to part ways with the company he had nurtured with love and dedication. But his legacy as a pioneer in the craft beer industry will forever endure. Through his vision and innovation, he set the standard for English-style ales and left an indelible mark on the brewing world.
David Geary Obituary
David Geary, a trailblazing brewer and the visionary founder of the esteemed D.L. Geary Brewing Company in Portland, has left us at the age of 78. With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of David Geary, affectionately known as “The Godfather of Maine Craft Beer.” His impact on the brewing community resonated far beyond the borders of Maine, inspiring countless brewers worldwide. A true pioneer in his craft, Geary’s contributions to our state’s culture and economy are immeasurable.
The Boothbay Craft Brewery Tavern and RV, in a heartfelt message on Facebook, conveyed their deepest sympathies and profound sadness over the passing of this brewing legend. Their words echoed the sentiments of all who had the honor of knowing Geary, emphasizing his significant influence on the industry.
Among those mourning the loss was Geary’s nephew, Christian Heritier, who shared touching memories on Facebook. He spoke of Geary not just as a brewing icon and innovator but as a compassionate human being who touched the lives of many. Whether sharing in moments of joy, offering comfort during times of grief, or weaving stories of cherished memories and history, David Geary’s human side left an enduring impression on those who knew him.
As we bid farewell to a true icon, the craft brewing world dims a little, knowing that a pioneer has departed. Yet, we take solace in the legacy he leaves behind, one that will continue to inspire generations of brewers to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and may they find strength and comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace, David Geary. Your influence will be forever etched in the heart of Maine and the world of craft beer.
What Happened to David Geary?
David Geary, the pioneering brewer and founder of the D.L. Geary Brewing Company in Portland, has passed away at the age of 78. He died peacefully on a Wednesday night at a hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends. The cause of his passing was attributed to natural causes. Throughout his life, David Geary made significant contributions to the world of craft beer, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the trailblazers in the industry.
His vision and dedication to producing world-class products on a small scale for local and regional consumption shaped the craft beer landscape not just in Maine but also inspired brewers worldwide. In the wake of his departure, the brewing community mourns the loss of a true icon, while family and friends gather to cherish the memories of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. David Geary’s passion for brewing and his human touch endeared him to many, leaving a profound impact on the lives he touched.
David Geary’s passion for craft beer and his relentless pursuit of excellence continue to inspire brewers and enthusiasts alike. As we raise our glasses to savor the rich flavors of Geary’s brews, we also raise our hearts in gratitude to the man who enriched our lives with his passion and dedication. David Geary, the brewer extraordinaire, your legacy lives on in every bottle poured and every toast made in your honor. Cheers to the visionary who forever changed the world of beer.
David Geary Family
David Geary’s family, consisting of his daughter Kelly Lucas and son Matthew Geary, lovingly shared their heartfelt emotions and fond memories of their father in a touching Facebook post. They described him as a multifaceted man, with qualities that made him funny, charming, gregarious, and sometimes cantankerous. To them, he was larger than life, and his presence had a profound impact on their lives.
As they grieve the loss of their beloved father, they take pride in the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Alongside their mother, Karen, David Geary made an indelible mark on the world and significantly influenced the entire craft beer industry. Their vision and determination paved the way for a thriving beer culture in Maine and New England, where their English-style ales were embraced with enthusiasm.
Kelly Lucas expressed her admiration for the legacy her parents created, which spans over 40 years. Their initial idea of producing English-style ales and distributing them in Maine laid the foundation for what Maine has become today—a prominent beer destination with a diverse array of breweries and a wide range of beer styles.
In the spirit of celebrating their father’s life and the lasting impact of his work, the family plans to hold a happy hour at a later date. During this gathering, stories will be shared, and beers will be raised in tribute to the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the beer culture in Maine and beyond.
David Geary’s family stands united, finding solace in the memories they hold dear and the knowledge that his legacy will continue to live on. Their pride in his accomplishments and the love they share for their father exemplify the profound bond they hold as a family. As they navigate this difficult time, their hearts are filled with cherished memories, and they carry forward the inspiration he instilled in them.
David Geary Achievements
David Geary’s achievements in the world of brewing are nothing short of remarkable. As the founder of the D.L. Geary Brewing Company, he not only played a pioneering role in Maine’s craft beer industry but also left an indelible mark on the entire brewing landscape. DL’s passion for brewing and beers was infectious. With a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face, he became an ambassador for the industry, promoting it with enthusiasm and a touch of humor, often accompanied by his trademark sarcastic remarks that endeared him to many.
Creating something from scratch requires creativity and courage, and David Geary and his wife Karen exemplified both. Together, they formed a formidable team, embarking on a journey to establish the first new brewery east of the Mississippi since the end of federal prohibition on alcohol production. Their vision and determination were unwavering, and it’s a testament to their dedication that the D.L. Geary Brewing Co. became a symbol of excellence in craft beer.
Their impact on Maine’s culture and the beer scene cannot be overstated. The people of Maine wholeheartedly embraced their endeavors, providing the perfect environment for their business to flourish. Their English-style ales struck a chord with beer enthusiasts, and the brewery’s success was a reflection of the genuine love and passion that David Geary poured into his craft. David’s son, Matthew Geary, expressed profound admiration for his parents’ achievements. He is incredibly proud of the ingenuity and courage they displayed in creating something truly special from scratch. Their journey not only left an enduring legacy but also influenced the very essence of Maine’s culture.
The number of licensed breweries operating in Maine, reaching an impressive count of 165 as of February 2022, stands as a testament to the significant impact David Geary’s pioneering efforts had on the growth of the craft beer industry in the state. His vision, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence paved the way for countless brewers and beer enthusiasts to follow their passion and contribute to the flourishing beer culture in Maine.
David Geary’s contributions to the world of brewing will forever be celebrated. His legacy lives on not only in the beers he crafted but also in the spirit of innovation and camaraderie that he instilled in the brewing community. With each sip of a Geary’s beer and in every corner of Maine, the mark of this brewing icon will continue to be felt and cherished for generations to come.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education