Sonny Geller, 94, dies

West Hempstead resident and World War II veteran Morris David Geller — known affectionately as “Sonny” to his family and friends — died Feb. 27 of complications due to pancreatic cancer. He was 94.

Geller served in the Army’s 16th Cavalry during World War II, and was the recipient of three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, the French Legion of Honor medal and numerous other service awards and commendations.

Last year, the Herald interviewed Geller for a story commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. “This year is the 70th anniversary of my getting wounded in the war,” he recalled. “I was in the 16th Cavalry in the 3rd Army under General [George] Patton. My outfit did a lot of reconnaissance for him and the outfits we were attached to, mostly in Germany.

“I was a radio operator in an armored car,” Geller continued, “and got blown up in Germany on the autobahn on April 1, 1945, when we ran over a mine. I got the worst of it. My lieutenant got blown out of the turret, didn’t get hurt and saved my life because he pulled me under the car. There were SS fighting all around us. They figured I was half dead anyway because the truck was on fire — so was I for a while.

“I spent 16 months in the hospital after that took place. If you could see my legs, you would know — they’re just bones with skin around them. But I was lucky. I still got what I have in my head. I’ve been lucky that way. But my body is half shot.

“I got the Purple Heart, and a few other things,” he added. “I made three documentaries for the Library of Congress, and had the opportunity to speak to George Bush during the National World War II Memorial dedication in D.C. He shook my hand and said, ‘I’m glad you’re here,’ and I said, ‘So am I.’”

Last year, the West Hempstead Community Support Association presented Geller, and more than a dozen other veterans living in West Hempstead, with a Certificate of Appreciation at American Legion Cathedral Post 1087. Geller was an active member of the legion, and was also a grand marshal of a past Memorial Day parade in the hamlet.

In the early 1960s, Geller began working with Bedford Mirror and Glass in Queens. He retired in 1987.

Geller was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Ruth; a sister, Belle; a brother, Arnie; and a son, Allen. He is survived by two sons, Bob (Meryl) and Barry (Joyce); a sister-in-law, Trudy; grandchildren Beth (Kurt), Michael, Jessica (James), Victoria (Joshua) and Lauren; and great-grandchildren including Jordyn, Jaxon and Kayleigh.

He was interred at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, N.J.