Obituary: Sidney H. Geller
Sidney “Sid” Geller, 89, Dies After a Life of Legal Practice and Community Service
Waterville, Maine – Sidney Herbert Geller, a lifelong resident of Waterville and a devoted attorney, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2026, at the age of 89.
Born in Portland, Maine, on April 5, 1937, to Mary Blumenthal and Harry Geller, Sid grew up in the city before moving to Waterville after completing his studies. He attended Deering High School, then pursued higher education at Northeastern University and Drake University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Geller continued his academic journey at Boston University School of Law and ultimately obtained a juris‑diction degree from the University of Maine School of Law. Despite his own wry humor—“I was never at the top of my class,” he would joke—Geller passed the Maine Bar and devoted 63 years to practicing law in Waterville.
Beyond his legal career, Geller was known for his generous spirit. He remained deeply involved with his synagogue, Beth Israel of Waterville, and supported The Cedars, a Portland nursing home, among other charitable endeavors. His commitment to community service earned him admiration among colleagues and neighbors alike.
Geller’s life was also marked by a strong sense of family. He and his wife, Elizabeth “Liz,” celebrated 61 years of marriage before Sid’s passing. Their three sons—David (with wife Jenny), Michael (partner Clinton O’Dell of Rumford), and Stephen (of Cape Cod)—along with his grandchildren, Chloe (partner David Barre of York), Ian, and Ava (both of Waterville), survive him. He was also survived by sisters‑in‑law Susan Goldberg and Barbara McPherson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Geller was predeceased by his parents, brother Arnold, and numerous aunts and uncles.
He spent winters in Boca Raton, Florida, and summers at “the camp” on East Pond in Oakland, Maine, balancing his professional life with leisure and family time.
A memorial service will be held at Levey Chapel in Portland on Sunday, Oct. 18, at noon. Friends, family, and community members are invited to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Beth Israel Synagogue, P.O. Box 1882, Waterville, ME 04903‑1882, or The Cedars at 630 Ocean Ave., Portland, ME 04103.
Sidney Geller’s legacy of laughter, loyalty, and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed throughout Maine’s legal and philanthropic circles.
