Senior Friendship Centers founder dies

Brother William Geenan, the founder of Senior Friendship Centers, died Saturday, May 14. He was 81 years old.

Geenan started the center in 1973 with the help of the first volunteer, Molleen Pust.

Nearly 40 years after that grand opening, Senior Friendship Centers help about 15,000 senior citizens in six different counties on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

“His dedication to improving the quality of life and health for older adults has affected thousands of (seniors) on the Suncoast,” said Peg Palmer, Senior Friendship Centers communications director.

Geenan died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, after being incapacitated for the past year.

A viewing will take place today from 5-8 p.m. at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.

Geenan’s funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 18, at St. Martha Catholic Church, 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.

After the funeral, an informal gathering will take place at Senior Friendship Centers at 1888 Brother Geenan Way, Sarasota.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].