Category: Family News

Ancestors, Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

The Passing of Gary Wayne Genetti

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Sadly we report the news that another member of the Genetti family has passed away. Gary Wayne Genetti of Marshfield, Missouri left this world on May 10th, 2021 at the age of 76.

A memorial page has been created for Gary Wayne Genetti in the Tributes section of our website. You can read Gary’s memorial here: https://genettifamily.com/gary-wayne-genetti/

Gary was the great-grandson of Costantino (also known as August) and Rosa Genetti. Costantino was born in Castelfondo, Tyrol in 1841 and immigrated to the United States with Rosa in 1868. They were the first members of the extensive Castelfondo Genetti family to leave their village and come to America. The couple, along with Costantino’s brothers and sisters, are considered the founding ancestors of the Illinois branch of the Genetti family.

Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

In Memory of Bill Genetti

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William E. “Bill” Genetti

Being a family genealogist is not always easy. And this is one of those times. I invariably knew the day would arrive when I had to create a memorial page for William “Bill” Genetti. It was a task I hoped would never come.

You see Bill was my family history mentor. When I first began my journey into genealogy back in 2010, Bill was happy to help by sharing his extensive family research files. Over the years, he had gathered information on all of the descendants of the Pennsylvania Genetti family. His files gave me a great jump-start into compiling our extended family tree.

Bill also introduced me to the original Genetti Family Tree – an amazing collection of ancestors presented as a beautiful fine art print. It was another incredible family history gift for a budding genealogist!

In 2014 he cheered me on when I accepted the responsibility of renovating and maintaining our family website. And in the Spring of 2016, Bill asked if I would help him organize a family reunion for that October. I was honored to assist Bill in bringing together cousins from all branches of our family. It was a wonderful reunion that I will always remember.

Louise Genetti Roach and Bill Genetti, 2012 family reunion

Throughout the years, Bill and I shared information via email correspondence and the occasional phone call, sometimes surprising each other with an unexpected family secret that we had uncovered through genetic genealogy or research. Yes, Bill was my genealogy buddy! I will very much miss his insight and generosity, as well as his passion for family history and the honor he brought to our ancestors. Bill will be greatly missed by our family and his Hazleton community. But I know his memory will live on through his many descendants and a lifetime of charitable works.

To my genealogy buddy, I bid you a fond farewell and God speed!

A memorial page has been created for Bill Genetti in the Tributes and Obituaries section of our family website. Please feel free to share your memories in the comments section of that page.

Memorial to William E. “Bill” Genetti: https://genettifamily.com/william-edward-bill-genetti/

Cousins, Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

Sad News

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With much sadness I bring you the news that William (Bill) Edward Fox Genetti of Hazleton passed away this morning, May 8th, 2021. A great presence in the Pennsylvania family, Bill was a family man, business owner, genealogist and friend to many. Carrying on the family business from his father, Gus Genetti Sr., Bill was a prominent member of the Hazleton community. Over the years, he brought together many cousins and extended family by hosting reunions at his Genetti establishment.

We offer our thoughts and love to Bill’s wife Pat, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Gus and his family during this difficult time.

A memorial for Bill will be posted on our Tributes and Obituaries Page at a later date.

Family News, Obituaries

Goodbye to Erma Ripple Zambotti

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We say farewell to Erma Zambotti Ripple, the wife of Leo Alex Zambotti, (son of Ottilia Genetti and Pietro Zambotti).

Obituary provided by Legacy.com:

Erma Zambotti, 93, of Hazle Twp. passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019.

Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Christopher and Mearle Ripple.

Prior to retiring, Erma worked in the local garment industry.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Leo, and six brothers and sisters.

Surviving are her daughter, Judy Malloy, with whom she resided; grandchildren, Erin Madjeska and husband, Alex; and Sean Malloy and wife, Julie; and great-grandchildren, Abby, Lexi and Piper. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. from Fierro Funeral Home, 26 W. Second St., Hazleton.

Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

 

Cousins, Family News, Obituaries

Farewell to Doris Hudock Kulkusky

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This week I am working on updates for the descendants of Raffaele and Lucia (Zambotti) Genetti. When conducting research, I check vital statistics for each person in a family, making sure their personal information is correct and up-to-date. Yesterday, while sifting through records and newspaper clippings, I found one of our cousins had recently passed away in March of this year.

Doris Hudock Kulkusky was the daughter of Mary Genetti (1901-1992) and Rudolph Hudock (1894-1970); and the granddaughter of Raffaele Genetti (1867-1949) and Lucia Zambotti (1865-1952). I have added Doris’s obituary to our Tributes Page.

Our condolences to her family.

Obituary provided by Sauls Funeral Home:

Doris Kulkusky, age 95, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and formerly of Maywood, New Jersey, died Monday, March 11, 2019 at Hilton Head Hospital.

Mrs. Kulkusky was born on November 30, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Rudolph and Mary Hudock. She grew up in Weston, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Black Creek Township High School where she was a star basketball player and was the Valedictorian of her class. Doris earned her nursing degree in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. She became a nursing supervisor at Jersey City Medical Center and then took time off to raise a family. Doris ultimately served in private practice in Westwood, New Jersey until retirement.

Mrs. Kulkusky is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Frank Kulkusky, daughter, Diane Barlow; Son-in-Law, Andrew Barlow; son, Robert Kulkusky; and granddaughter, Sabrina Barlow.

Cousins, Family News, Obituaries

Passing of a Cousin

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Regina (Jeanne) Bernadette Genetti Murphy
1924-2019

I am sad to share with you the news that one of our Genetti cousins passed away last evening (October 1st). Born in 1924, Regina (Jeanne) Bernadette Genetti Murphy was ninety-five years old and a first generation Tyrolean American. Jeanne was the daughter of Faustino Genetti and Maria Matilda Turri, both of Castelfondo.

Faustino and Matilda Genetti settled in Mt. Laffee, Schuylkill, Pennsylvania in the early 1920’s where they raised three children. After marrying in 1956, Jeanne made Philadelphia her home. Only recently in 2016 did she reconnect with the Pennsylvania Genetti family. After sending us an email through the family website, Jeanne became a fan of our blog posts with a yearning to learn more about her Tyrolean heritage.

Jeanne’s branch of the Genetti family tree is a distant cousin to my own branch, with Jeanne and Bill Genetti of Hazleton related as half 4th cousins. However, after researching this particular Genetti line in order to add it to our tree, I found that I was also related to Jeanne through a different family (the Battisti family of Cavareno, Val di Non) as a third cousin, once removed. It was a pleasure to correspond with Jeanne during the past three years as she shared her memories with me of a very long and well-lived life.

We send our love and sympathies to Jeanne’s family at this time of sadness.

Family News, Genetti Family

Gus and Val Genetti Are Community Service Recipients

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Congratulations to Gus and Val Genetti of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania! The Luzerne Foundation recently bestowed upon the couple a prestigious Community Service Award for their local philanthropic contributions. Here is the article from The Luzerne Foundation Annual Report:

Val & Gus Genetti: 2018 Mary Bevevino Community Service Award Recipients

From the earliest days of their marriage, Val and Gus Genetti set aside part of their income to help the community. They split their approximately $75-a-week earnings into separate jars: one earmarked for expenses such as groceries, one for baby-sitting services and one for charitable giving. “We have agreed on every gift since the beginning,” said Gus Genetti, president of Genetti Hospitality Group. The couple’s over 50 years long pattern of locally targeted philanthropy has benefited dozens of this area’s nonprofit organizations and life-enhancing projects.

Gus and Val Genetti – who are parents, hotel operators and proud Wilkes-Barre residents – are the recipients of The Luzerne Foundation’s 2018 Mary Bevevino Community Service Award. As The Foundation’s highest tribute, the award annually spotlights people whose “unwavering dedication” has made “a significant positive impact on our community.”

A former nurse, Hazleton native Val Genetti, gravitates to health-related causes. She formerly volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Center and had been on the board of the Catholic Youth Center. She continues to serve on a committee directing funds for Women and Children’s Health Initiatives.

Gus and Val Genetti, left, accept the Mary Bevevino Community Service Award from Luzerne Foundation President & CEO Charles Barber and Board Chairman Mike Weaver at the 2018 annual meeting and reception at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Thursday evening. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Gus Genetti, also born in Hazleton, repeatedly answers the call to serve. Through the years, he has accepted leadership roles with a range of organizations, including The Luzerne Foundation, the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, the Osterhout Free Library, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, the Northeast Pennsylvania Multiple Sclerosis Society, ant the local council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Collectively, the duo’s generosity with their time and “treasure” have enriched lives. That was true when they donated to the area’s United Way precursor; and it remains the case with their support of Wyoming Valley newcomers such as Volunteers in Medicine clinic and CASA of Luzerne County.

The Genettis are the parents of six; they have eight grandchildren. Val and Gus Genetti intend for their family’s philanthropic legacy to continue. They have established two funds administered by The Luzerne Foundation. They also count themselves amoung the estate planners who belong to The Foundation’s Rusty Flack Society, ensuring their tradition of giving will go on and on.

“The giving effort has always been the same (as when we were newly married),” said Gus Genetti. “Only the amounts have changed. We’re able in the autumn of our lives to have the opportunity to give at a higher level.”

Read more about Gus and Val Genetti:

The Luzerne Foundation’s 24th Anniversary Celebration (May 10, 2018)

Times Leader: Genettis honored by Luzerne Foundation for community service (May 11, 2018)

Family News, Obituaries

The Passing of Wilma Jean (Ortigo) Reich

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Wilma Jean (Ortigo) Reich, wife of Lewis Reich II (grandson of Tilly Genetti and Peter Zambotti of Hazleton, PA), passed away this week on February 3, 2018. We send our condolences to the family.

Obituary:

Haughton, LA – A Mass of Christian Burial for Wilma Jean Reich will be 10 a.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018 at St. Jude Catholic Church, Benton. Officiating will be Father Karl Daigle. Interment will follow at Haughton Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City.

Wilma Jean was born August 19, 1954 in Shreveport to Vernice and Polly Ortigo and died February 3, 2018 in Shreveport. She retired as a sonographer from the medical field. Wilma Jean enjoyed traveling, square dancing, round dancing, gardening, photography and cross-stitching.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Joseph.

Wilma Jean is survived by her husband of 36 years, Lewis; son, Christopher and wife, Heather; sister, Patricia Ortigo and brother, Ricky Ortigo.

Cousins, Family News, Obituaries, Pennsylvania

The Passing of Leon A. Genetti Jr.

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Leon Genetti with his great-granddaughters at Genetti Family Reunion, 2016

With much sadness, I bring you the news that my uncle, Leon A. Genetti Jr. of Hazleton, PA passed away suddenly on Monday, December 18th while at home. He was 89 years old, just two months shy of his 90th birthday. Leon was the son of Leon and Angeline (Marchetti) Genetti, and the grandson of Damiano and Oliva (Zambotti) Genetti.

Obituary:

Standard Speaker, Hazleton, Pennsylvania – December 21, 2017

Leon A. Genetti, 89, of Hazle Twp. passed away Tuesday [note: actual death date was Monday, December 18, 2017] at his home.

Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Leon A. and Angeline (Marchetti) Genetti and was a member of Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton.

Leon was affiliated with the Genetti supermarket chain and owned a local trucking company for that firm. He later owned Hazleton Engine and Brake Co. and operated it with his two sons, Leon and David.

He was an avid fisherman, had his private pilot’s license and had a love for flying.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his wife, the former Marie Passarelli, in 2014; brothers, Joseph and John Genetti; and sisters, Catherine Farkus, Rita Young and Adeline Kashi [note: another sister, Joyce, passed away in 1934].

Surviving are his sons, Leon J. and his wife, Diane, Hazle Twp.; David P., Wake Forest, N.C.; and Michael A., Drums; grandchildren, Leon Scott, Ross, Jillian, Lori and Chandra; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Grace and Kelsey Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Saturday [December 23, 2017] at 9 a.m. at Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church.His funeral will be held Saturday [December 23, 2017] at 9 a.m. at Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Burial will be in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hazleton Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 481, Hazleton, PA 18201, or to the Hazle Twp. Fire and Rescue Department, P.O. Box 499, Harleigh, PA 18225.

Condolences may be sent through http://www.moranfuneralhome.com

[webpage for condolences: click here]

Webmaster Note: Visit Leon’s Tribute page on the Genetti Family Genealogy Project website: https://genettifamily.com/leon-a-genetti-jr/

If the family would like to contribute addition photos to our Tribute page, please send them to: info.genetti.family@gmail.com. 

Cousins, Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

Goodbye to Olivia Reich Hearn

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Sadly we say goodbye to our cousin Olivia Ann Reich Hearn who passed from this life on December 10, 2017. She is the daughter of Lewis Reich (1908–2003) and Elizabeth (Zambotti) Reich (1912-1995); and the granddaughter of Peter Zambotti (1881-1966) and Tilly (Genetti) Zambotti (1890-1985).

Obituary: 

Date of Birth: April 30, 1942

Date of Death: December 10, 2017

Olivia was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to Lewis and Elizabeth (Zambotti) Reich.

She received her Registered Nursing Degree in 1964 at Hazleton State School of Nursing, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, with emphasis on psychiatric care. Immediately after graduation, Olivia worked at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in New York City as a Psychiatric Care Nurse. She left that position in 1968 to ski in the mountains of Utah (Alta). In Utah, she worked as a Registered Nurse in the Salt Lake City VA until 1972 when she moved with her husband to Hebo, Oregon. She was a dedicated mother, homemaker, and for a short time in 1990’s worked as a librarian at Holy Trinity Catholic School, Beaverton, Oregon.

She was married on February 19, 1971 to her husband, Vern Hearn, at Hill AFB, Utah.

Olivia was an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church since 1973 and served in several volunteer positions. Most notably, she taught Junior High Religious Education (CCD), served on the Funeral Committee, was a church board member, and a member of the Women’s Club. In the 1980’s, she served as a volunteer and key organizer for the Cedar Mill Community Library. In recent years, she found a great deal of pleasure in being a “room mother” for a William Walker Elementary School Kindergarten class until she was no longer physically able. She really enjoyed working with those kids.

Her hobbies included needlepoint, sewing, maintaining her reading library, traveling, gardening, as well as watching old movies, BBC International and History Channel (AKA WWII Channel).

Olivia is survived by her Husband, Vern; Daughter, Charis; son, Joel; brothers, Conrad and Lewis Reich; and sister, Ann Marie Shelby. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Nathan.

Olivia’s Viewing and Rosary Service will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017, starting at 6:00 PM at Springer and Son, Aloha Funeral Home, 4150 SW 185th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1280 NW Saltzman Road, Portland, Oregon, on Monday, December 18, 2017, at 1:00 PM. Fr. Julio Torres will be presiding over the Mass and Deacon Bob Little will be the Homilist.

Memorial Donations may be made in Olivia’s honor to any of the following organizations:
Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.org)
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) (www.crs.org)
Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) (www.cmmb.org)

All viewing and funeral services are be handled by Springer and Son, Aloha Funeral Home, Beaverton, Oregon.

 

Note: Find Olivia’s tribute page on the Genetti family website at:
https://genettifamily.com/olivia-ann-reich-hearn/