Gerald Daly Geoghegan was born on November 24th 1942 to professional golfer J. "Bud"Geoghegan and the former Louise Conway in Hartford Connecticut. Bud Geoghegan accepted a teaching professional position at Crestmont Country Club in 1947 and moved his family to Verona, New Jersey. Gerald graduated from Our Lady of the Lake school in Verona and went on to Seton Hall Prep, graduating in 1960. Bud was also the Golf Coach for Seton Hall University and both Jim and Gerald attended there.

Gerald joined the Marine Corps Reserve and went through Basic Training as an enlisted man at Parris Island Recruit Depot in South Carolina. He returned to his studies at Seton Hall and joined the Marine Corps Basic Officer Program and graduated from Seton Hall University in 1964 and was sent to Officers School at Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation and receiving his commission, he was sent to the Republic of Viet Nam where he was wounded in action. He recuperated in Hawaii and rejoined his outfit. He was killed instantly by a rocket propelled grenade while leading his platoon in an attack on a Viet Cong village in the province of Quang Tri on September 18th, 1966. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.