Category: Family News

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/

 

Cousins, Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

Passing of Regina (Jean) Branz Daly

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Sadly, we bring the news that another cousin has passed away. Regina (Jean) Branz Daly died on November 20, 2017. She was the daughter of Henry Branz (1897-1971) and Erminia Genetti (1896-1971), and the granddaughter of Damian Genetti (1857-1944) and Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938). A tribute page has been published for Jean along with many lovely photographs contributed by her daughter, Barbara Joliat, commemorating Jean’s life.

To visit the tribute page to Jean Branz Daly, click here.

 

 

Obituary:

WATERBURY – Regina (Jean) E. Daly, widow of Dr. Joseph E. Daly, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at her Waterbury home. She had suffered from the effects of cancer and Parkinson’s disease in recent years, but she remained active until the week prior to her death.

She was born March 21, 1931, in Freeland, Pa., to parents who had emigrated from what was then Val di Non, Tirol, Austria. Her parents [Henry Branz 1897-1971 and Erminia Genetti 1896-1971] instilled in her the principles of hard work and thrift, to which she added her characteristic sense of humor. After graduating from high school, she entered a nursing program at Hazelton Hospital in Hazelton, Pa., and graduated in 1951. She later moved to New York City to become head operating room nurse at New York Polyclinic Hospital, where she met her husband, then a surgical resident.

Jean and Joe married on May 23, 1959, and then moved to Waterbury, where he had lived his whole life. He had been widowed six years earlier, and Jean happily took on the job of raising his five children from his first marriage. They then had one daughter together and were able to live to see their six children grow up and give Jean and Joe 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The youngest three great-grandchildren were born this past year, and Jean was delighted by the continued growth of her large family.

Jean loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spent many happy years baby-sitting and traveling for baptisms, first communions, graduations and weddings. She enjoyed doting on all of the children and never forgot a birthday or anniversary. In addition to her love of spending time with her family, Jean enjoyed bridge, bowling and tennis with many dear friends. She volunteered extensively – at her beloved parish, St. Margaret, where she assisted with everything from altar linens to planting flowers, and at St. Margaret School, and for many charitable organizations, including Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Heart Fund. She was a longtime member of St. Margaret Ladies Guild and the Theresians. Very few people could keep up with the pace that she set.

Jean leaves behind two sons, Joseph and his wife, Candace, of Peacedale, R.I., and Kevin and his wife, Cheryl, of Summerfield, Fla.; and two daughters, Catherine Canning and her husband, Ray, of Bennington, Vt., and Barbara Joliat and her husband, Christopher, of Waterbury. She was predeceased by two sons, Terrance and Charles.

Funeral and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. The Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St., is in charge of arrangements.

Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries, Pennsylvania

The Passing of Edward F. Genetti

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Edward F. Genetti, 81, of Sugarload Twp. passed away November 12, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Stanley and Eleanor (Rauzi) Genetti and was a member of St. John Bosco Church, Sugarloaf Twp.

Ed started his career by becoming a busboy in the family-owned Tyrolean Room. He also worked on the family fox and mink farm and then in the Genetti supermarkets.

Ed graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, where he served in his senior year as president of the Psi Upsilon fraternity.

In 1961, he was called into the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.

After his return, he developed Townview Estates in Hazleton, and in 1965, with his brother, Richard, he built and operated Pantry Quiks, the first convenient store chain in the area. In 1967, he built the Church Hill Mall in nine months. Ed also owned several AM and FM radio stations and started Panorama Magazine in 1981. At his death, he served as the chairman of the board of Genetti-owned enterprises and companies.

He was active in several civic organizations, having chaired the United Way Campaign in 1968. In 1978, while participating in the Action for the Eighties, he helped develop the project for the building of the senior community center in downtown Hazleton.

Ed had many interests, including importing Hanoverian horses from Germany and racing cars on the east coast. In his later years, he loved traveling, reading and history, especially the study of World War II.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his first wife, the former Rosemary Gaudiano, in 2001, and his brother, Richard Genetti, in 1983.

Surviving are his wife, the former Edwina Roland Ustynoski; sons, Timothy Genetti and his wife, Michelle, Sugarload Twy.; and Alan Genetti and his wife, Dana, Sugarloaf Twp.; grandchildren, Stephen, Douglas, Alexandra and Ava Genetti; sister, Beverly Perry, Virginia; five stepchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. John Bosco Church.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton.

 

Cousins, Family News, Genetti Family, Obituaries

The Passing of Another Cousin

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We have sad news to report. One of our Genetti cousins, Edward F. Genetti of Pennsylvania, passed away on November 12th. Born in 1936, Edward was the son of Stanley Genetti (1899-1988) and Eleanor Rauzi (1909-2005), and the grandson of Damiano Genetti (1857-1944) and Oliva Zambotti (1861-1938). He is the husband of Edwina (Roland) and was preceded in death by his first wife Rosemary (Gaudiano). We send our sympathies and condolences to Edward’s family.

Cousins, Family News, Trentini

FYI – Some interesting news!

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garygenettipodcastOur cousin, master glass artist Gary Genetti, was interviewed recently for “Inspirational Creatives” podcast. I love listening to podcasts and this show was of particular interest to me since I also have a background in the arts. Gary’s interview is very insightful, offering a personal glimpse into his creative and life philosophy. Find “Inspirational Creatives” at iTunes. Congrats Gary – great job! Click here to access their website and listen to Inspirational Creatives Podcast. Gary’s episode is #194.

And from one of our cousins in Italy, Chiara Dalla Nogare, here is information about an exchange opportunity between youth in Trentino and the descendants of Trentino immigrants. If you are a Genetti descendant whose family originated in Castelfondo, Trentino – and a young adult, you might be eligible for this fantastic program. The information is available in Italian, English and Spanish. Click here to access the website MondoTrentino. Thank you Chiara for sharing this wonderful program with your American cousins.

Family News, Genetti Family, Genetti Shop, Gifts

Presentation DVD Now Available!

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dvdfrontbacksmall

 

Our evening presentation, “The Genetti Family of Castelfondo: Our Journey to America”, is now available as a professionally edited DVD. If you missed Reunion 2016 or would like a unique Christmas gift, this DVD is the perfect solution! Place your order with Bill Genetti – but hurry because quantities are limited.

The price for this beautifully packaged presentation is $15 (includes shipping) if purchased before Dec. 15th, 2016. After Dec. 15th the price will increase to $20 (includes shipping) until all DVDs of this limited edition have been purchased.

Our presentation DVD is also listed for sale in the Genetti Family Shop and on our Reunion Page. Initial sales of DVDs will cover production costs. Any additional sales will go directly into the Genetti Reunion Fund to be used for our next reunion.

Please send your check addressed to:
William Genetti
1345 N. Church St.
Hazle Township, PA 18202

Have questions, contact Bill at: wegenetti@gmail.com.