Jarad Geldner, of Washington, died May 27 after a long and brave battle with cancer. He was 37. Geldner was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle, colleague and friend. Geldner was a native of Philadelphia and a 2001 graduate of Council Rock High School. He was an active part of BBYO. He attended American University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and was a member and ultimately chapter president of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, of which he remained an active alumnus until
his death.
Geldner met the love of his life, Hillary, at AU while playing his guitar on the university quad her first day of college. They later married and were elated to welcome Jasper to their family soon after. Geldner’s commitment to his family was unbreakable. Even as he endured 76 days in the hospital for treatment during the pandemic in 2020, he made it a point to Zoom with Jasper every day he was able.
Geldner was a public affairs strategist and executive at several organizations in Washington, including Glover Park Group, Hill+Knowlton Strategies and, most recently, at S-3 Group. He began his career as a political analyst for AIPAC and remained a dedicated advocate for Israel throughout his life. Geldner was also active in Democratic politics, where he worked to establish several organizations to boost local and national Democratic candidates.
Geldner was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Helene Geldner (nee Davis). He is survived by his wife, Hillary Geldner (nee Rothberg); their son, Jasper Geldner; Linda Geldner (John Howland), David Geldner and Jessie (Dan) Fields. Geldner is also survived by his nephew and niece, Asher and Avery Fields; grandmother, Jean Schwartz; and cousins, friends, family, fraternity brothers and colleagues.
