Geoffrey Houghton Neuhoff, a longtime summer resident of the Vineyard, died on July 22. He was 59, and was president and chief executive officer of Neuhoff Communications Inc. in Springfield, Ill.

A true leader in the broadcast industry and a second-generation broadcaster, Mr. Neuhoff spent the last 30-plus years dedicated to an industry and the communities it served. The company’s motto, “Media Made Locally,” was a testament to his belief in the strength of focusing on what mattered to local businesses and audiences.

In 2010, Geoff was recognized for his talents by Illinois broadcasters as the Illinois Broadcaster of the Year, and in March of this year, a Neuhoff station won the prestigious national Crystal Award for Community Service. In both reception speeches, Mr. Neuhoff dedicated the awards to his father, Roger, his mentor and predecessor in business.

Born in Guam, Geoffrey’s early years were spent as his parents’ traveling companion throughout the Far East before they left the foreign service and settled to raise their family in Washington, D.C. Geoff attended St. Alban’s School and was a free-spirited young man who laid claim to a few boarding schools before graduating from the University of Denver.

Geoff went to work for his father at Eastern Broadcasting after graduating and worked his way up from entry-level positions in very small markets. When Eastern was sold and the opportunity to buy the Springfield, Ill., station presented itself, Geoff began his own career in ownership and his legacy was created. He had many friends and happy memories in Springfield. His three children were born there of a prior marriage and it was a special part of his life

Geoff and his wife of 10 years, Beth, were residents of Jupiter, Fla. They resided at the Loxahatchee Club among many dear friends. Geoff loved the game of golf despite its many challenges and played often. He was an active member of the Jupiter and greater Palm Beach County community, where he served on the boards of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council and the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach. In addition, he was an avid supporter of Loggerhead Marine Life Center, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the Palm Beach Infectious Disease Institute and many animal charities.

Geoff’s heart, however, was truly most at home in Edgartown, his summer home of over 50 years and where he and Beth were married. A lover of sailing, boating and the magical sand and salt air, it was fitting that his final days were spent where he was happiest—among family and lifelong friends from the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, the Edgartown Yacht Club and the Boathouse Club.

His greatest loves were his three children, Jameson, 26, Alexandra, 25, and Alice, 23; his wife Beth; and his dear parents, Roger and Louise, who survive him. Also surviving are his sister, Marion, and her husband, Simon, of West Tisbury, brother Eric of Vero Beach, Fla., and brother Alex of Maui, Hawaii, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Finally, a great lover of his animals, Geoff leaves behind his beloved dogs, Stella and Stanley, and his two cats, Scooby and Shaggy.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church on Main street in Edgartown. A reception will follow at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.