Robert Hugh Geiger

Robert Hugh Geiger, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on December 22, 2024, at his home in Vero Beach, Florida. Born on September 27, 1929, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Aubrey Hugh Geiger and Grace Moore Geiger.

Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia Lee Faircloth Geiger, who passed away in 2013 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He is survived by his son, Robert Hugh Geiger Jr., of Kennesaw, Georgia, and two daughters, Priscilla Plank-Sammons and Virginia Lee Geiger, both of Vero Beach, Florida. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, seven of whom survive him, twenty-two great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in South Carolina.

Robert enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 1947 and served honorably until his discharge in 1957. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Charleston. A talented athlete, he also played minor league baseball and devoted time to coaching youth baseball teams. His early years of employment included managerial positions with Colonial Grocery Stores, Executone Intercom Systems, and as an Electronics Technician with West Virgina Pulp and Paper Company all in the Charleston, South Carolina area.

In 1962, Robert and his family relocated from Charleston to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he began a 30-year career at Pratt & Whitney in the Government Engines and Space Propulsion Division. He worked on programs for the United States Defense Department and NASA including projects for the moon missions and the space shuttle. Robert’s department received awards for the development and testing of jet and rocket engine designs. Outside of work, he was an active community member, serving as President of the Riviera Beach High School Band Boosters, and was active in the St. George’s Episcopal Church in Rivera Beach, Florida.

After retiring in 1992, Robert and Virgina traveled and enjoyed camping. In 2013, he moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where he remained active in the community. A dedicated supporter of the Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians Band, Robert played a key role in the procurement and design of the band’s 55-foot equipment transport trailer. He frequently traveled with the band to assist with logistical operations and cherished his interactions with band members and parents.

A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2025 in Charleston, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Fighting Indians Band Boosters, Inc., 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.