A Life Well Lived: Remembering Bob Geissinger

The George School community mourns the loss of Bob Geissinger, one of George School’s longest-serving athletic directors (1962-1990), who died on December 18, 2023. A mentor, advisor, and coach, Bob was invested in his students’ growth and development, staying in touch with many of them throughout their lives. Bob expanded the athletics program during his tenure to include interscholastic lacrosse, cross country, and golf teams. The Geissinger Gym in the Fitness and Athletics Center (FAC) is named in his honor.

A graduate of Springfield College, Bob, or “Geis” as he was known, first arrived on campus in 1952 with his wife, Mary. Their daughter, Betsy, is a member of the Class of 1974. Geis spent 38 years at George School as assistant athletic director, athletic director, history teacher, Drayton dorm head, and football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse coach. He founded and directed the George School Day Camp. Outside of campus, he spent most of his time in his hometown of Huntingdon, PA.

John Gleeson ’65, former faculty member and coach, knew Bob for most of his adult life, first as a George School student-athlete, and later as a colleague when he returned to teach at GS.

“He was the reason I began coaching football,” said John, who coached football at George School for 47 years. “But the lessons he taught us as kids went far beyond the football field, and he influenced so many students – not only athletes – throughout his time here. Most importantly, he modeled for us how to be men. He was the most compassionate and sensitive person; he really cared about each one of us.”

Bob was a regular fixture on campus during Alumni Weekends and attended scores of athletic events long after his retirement. “Alumni Day is like a rebirth for me,” he once said. “I love to see who is back and where they are in life, and I often find out what being on a team meant to our students.”

Once he connected with a student, it was a lifetime commitment. Through letters, phone calls and visits, Bob would keep track of where his students were and what they were doing; they became part of his extended family.

“For as long as Geis was able to attend reunion—no matter which year—there was always a crowd of former students who came back specifically to see and talk with him,” remembered Mike Kosoff ’56. “Remarkably, he would remember not only his former students, but the names and events in each individual’s life. His family, as well as his George School family, will greatly miss a very good man.”

Bob Geissinger was honored with a special tribute at the start of this year’s Hall of Athletic Honor ceremony. A memorial service will be held at George School Meetinghouse on Saturday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. Read Bob’s obituary.