Geoffrey Paul Fernald

Geoffrey Paul Lancaster-Fernald passed away peacefully on February 22nd, 2025 at his home in Milford, Delaware surrounded by his loving family.

Geoff as he was known to family and friends was born on November 5th, 1934 in New York City to the late Paul R. Fernald and Kathryn Miley Fernald. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Lee Kelley and brothers Gordon, and Peter Fernald.

He survived by his daughter Kathryn Gwenn Benn, (Geoffrey T.). Five grandchildren, Kristen Adams, Keith Adams (Sharea), Brynn Adams, Devin Benn, Danielle Shanley (Kirby) and nine great-great grandchildren.

Geoff was raised in Geneva Illinois. After graduating High School, he attended and graduated from Beloit College in Beloit Wisconsin in 1956 with a major in Psychology. He was President of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and to this day he still kept in touch with friends from his college days.

After college, he enlisted in the United States Navy graduating from Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island as an Ensign. In the Navy, Geoff was a Navigational Officer aboard P2 Neptune anti-submarine aircraft stationed out of Chincoteague Naval Air Station, Virginia. It was there that he met his wife of 65 years, Mary Lee. 

After separating from the Navy, Geoff worked for L.D. Caulk in Milford, Delaware advancing to General Sales Manager before retiring in 1980. 

After retiring from Caulk, Geoff continued working for several companies in sales as was his passion for meeting people and developing new relationships.

Geoff was an avid sports fan following Perdue collegiate sports and above all else, his beloved New York Yankees.

Geoff loved spending time with his family whether at home, or at the beach. Those who knew Geoff will always remember his sense of humor along with his Grampy jokes. 

A funeral service to remember and celebrate the life of Geoffrey P. Fernald will be held on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 11:00 in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home at 119 NW Front Street, Milford, DE. A time of visitation will take place from 10:00 am to 11:00 the same day. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, DE