John O.

Geraghty

John O. Geraghty, 65, passed away at his home in Brookings on August 15, 2013. John was born December 1, 1947 in North Bend, Ore. to Richard "Dick" and Gladys (Rotto) Geraghty. He grew up in Reedsport until the family moved to Brookings in 1961. John graduated from BHHS in 1966 then attended Southern Oregon University for one term before entering the US Army during the Vietnam War. He served for nearly three years including 19 months in Vietnam before being honorably discharged. John married Marsha Lyons on September 24, 1972 in Seaside; the couple moved to Brookings six months later. John and Marsha owned and operated the 101 Tavern in Harbor for 25 years until retiring in 2010. They also owned Ken's Tavern in Brookings for 7 years. John enjoyed camping, walking at the Port, spending time at their cabin on the Rogue River, fishing and reading. He served for six years on the Brookings City Council, was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, a 40-year member of the Brookings Elks Lodge and president, co-founder and lobbyist for the Video Lottery Retailers of Oregon. John was tireless in his efforts to bring lottery dollars back to the counties of their origin. Survivors include Marsha Geraghty, his wife of 40 years of Brookings, daughter, Olivia Geraghty of Wilsonville, Ore., son, Warren Geraghty of Brookings, Ore., brothers, Rick Geraghty of Brookings and Bob Barton of Grants Pass, Ore., sister, Barbara Clayton of Westin, Ore., numerous nieces and nephews. Private family services will be held at a later date. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.