Henry Anthony Geissler

Henry Anthony Geissler, born July 28, 1930, was welcomed into Heaven on October 6, 2022. He was reunited with his beloved wife, Marguerite; his first daughter, Mary; and his family and friends. In his immediate family, he was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Betty Lober; and his younger sister, Lorraine Cipri.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to his hard-working parents, Herbert and Anna Geissler, Henry attended mass faithfully at St. Boniface Church close to his home on the north side of Pittsburgh. Henry attended Allegheny High School where he was honored with the title of Class Clown. He enlisted in the Air Force and was eventually stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. While there, he attended a dance at Loretto Heights College and a beautiful young lady dressed in yellow caught his eye. Henry married the love of his life, Marguerite Rivera, in the Saint Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe on June 20, 1953. Marguerite’s brother, the Most Reverend Guadalupe Rivera officiated their wedding. The newlyweds briefly moved to Pittsburgh, and Henry was able to share his treasured city with his new bride.

Henry and Marguerite later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where they remained and raised their six children. Henry worked hard while attending the University of Albuquerque followed by the University of New Mexico, where he received his Master of Counseling. He taught at several schools and eventually became a long-time guidance counselor at Van Buren Middle School. He also pioneered the DWI program in the city of Albuquerque and was an instructor with the program for many years. Henry also became a legendary basketball coach at several Catholic schools, including Holy Ghost, Our Lady of the Assumption, and Our Lady of the Annunciation. He was instrumental in the building and funding of Annunciation’s gymnasium. He coached many youngsters who remembered his guidance for years.

God was first in Henry’s life, and he had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. He was especially active in Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Parish, where he was an usher, lector, and played guitar and sang in his beloved Spanish choir. Henry and Marguerite also attended mass daily.

Henry’s memory lives on in his six children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. He is survived by his eldest son, Patrick and his wife, Josie, their children, Christina, Sean, and Alisa; Sean’s wife, Mallory and two children—Ember and Hunter. Also, his eldest daughter, Cindy, her husband, Bruce Vaio, their children, David, Brian, and Kimberly; David’s wife, Samantha and three children—Savannah, Henry, and Matthew; Brian’s wife, Brittany and their son, Aaron; Kimberly’s husband, Taylor Knopf and their son, Sawyer. Next, daughter, Elaine, who lovingly cared and lived with her father for over two and a half years until his final days, and her daughters, Natalia and Marina McDonald. Following, son, Mike, his wife, Caroline, children; Michael and his wife, Yvonne; Michelle and her husband, Cameron Nichols, and youngest daughter, Krystalyn. Next, youngest son, John, his wife, Aprilyn, and their daughter, Kambria. Finally, his youngest daughter Maria, who repeatedly travelled many times for many months to help take care of her beloved father.

Henry was on the front lines in his staunch support for the lives of the unborn. He and his good friend Phillip Leahy saved countless children and helped many mothers in need. Henry passionately believed this was one of his missions in life. He also served as President and Chairman of the Board for Share Your Care, an organization for the caring of adults with disabilities. Henry fought for the dignity of life through all its stages.

Henry’s memory lives on in the values he passed down to those around him: from the prayer cards he authored and handed out wherever he went, to the joy and knowledge of fishing he taught to his children and grandchildren. His gift of faith and family loyalty will never be forgotten, nor will his love for the city of Pittsburgh and its sports teams—especially the Steelers. Black and gold forever!

The family would especially like to thank Monsignor Voorhies, the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, his hospice nurse Jenny Vigil, his housekeeper Julie Gamboa, his caretakers Lavern Maestas, Joy Osuoha, and Raquel Valdez, as well as Mark “The Warrior” Gagliano for his assistance throughout the years. All were very helpful and important to Henry.

A rosary will be held at 10:00 am October 21st at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, immediately followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 10:30. Serving as Pallbearers are Michael Geissler, Sean Geissler, Bruce Vaio, David Vaio, Brian Vaio, and Mark Gagliano. Following the mass, Henry will be taken to his final resting place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Share Your Care organization.

Henry fought the Good Fight. He finished the Race. He kept the Faith.