VINALHAVEN — Richard E. "Dick" Geary, 89, of Vinalhaven, passed away in the early morning Feb. 26, 2013, at Pen Bay Medical Center following a short illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Charlene P. Geary, who died in 2008.

Dick was the son of Fred and Sadie Geary. He was the oldest of five siblings and was born, raised and schooled on Vinalhaven. The happiest of his times were spent helping his dad on the family-owned dairy farm. Dick had a true love for animals and on his 7th birthday he received a pony named " Don." Dick spent countless hours giving rides to neighborhood children and classmates. He also had two special dogs in his life, Pal, his black lab, and Jamie, his golden retriever.

Following high school graduation, Dick left the island and enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. When his tour of duty was over he fell in love and married his true love, Charlene Polk. They raised their only daughter, Betsey, on Vinalhaven.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Betsey Swears and her husband, John Swears, of Vinalhaven; two granddaughters, Johanna Lazaro and her husband, Kurt Lazaro, and Melissa Hildings and her husband, Richard B. Hildings, all of Vinalhaven.

After the death of his beloved wife, Dick moved to a small house in Dogtown to be near his daughter. He lived there for two years until 2010, when he moved to Windward Gardens in Camden.

Dick loved his family and was a devoted father and grandfather.

The Geary family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Windward Gardens and Pen Bay Medical Center for their help and professionalism during this difficult time.

A graveside committal will be announced in the spring to be held at Cummings Cemetery in Vinalhaven.

Memorial Donations in his memory may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Geary family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomcamden.com.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Camden.