William Edward “Bill” Genetti

(April 18, 1935 – May 8, 2021)

Published in Tribute Archive, Harman Funeral Homes and Crematory Inc.

William E. “Bill” Genetti, 86 of Conyngham passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, April 18, 1935, he was the son of the late August H. and Della (Fox) Genetti. He was a graduate of West Hazleton High School and upon graduation enrolled and studied Hotel and Restaurant Management at Penn State University-University Park. He furthered his hospitality education in Lucerne, Switzerland. Upon completing his education, Bill returned to Pennsylvania and enlisted in the US Army. Following his discharge, he returned to Hazleton and managed the family business.

Bill was dedicated to his clients, customers, and employees, as the owner of Best Western Genetti Inn and Suites, Hazle Township. He was always a man of character and integrity, who chose to treat others with respect.

During his career he earned his Certified Hotel Administrator Designation. With over 55 years in the travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses, he was a strong advocate for promoting tourism in the state. He was a founding member and first President of the Pennsylvania Travel Council.

As a twenty-year member of the board of Can-Do, he was always promoting local businesses and jobs in the Hazleton area. Bill was Past-President and lifetime member of the Hazleton Rotary Club. He served on many boards and organizations including the United Way, American Cancer Society, and Red Cross. As a businessman and community leader, Bill was very committed to giving back to the Hazleton area. Most importantly he was a man devoted to his family.

Bill was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by two sisters Rosemary Genetti Moyer and Marianne Genetti.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia (Statts) Genetti, to whom he was married on January 4, 1975; four children Lyn Genetti Reeves, Baltimore, MD; William “Will” Genetti and his fiancée Morgan MacDonald, Mountville; Christopher Genetti and his wife Alex, Maytown; and Patrick Genetti and his wife Cassandra, Sugarloaf; six grandchildren Pierce and Preston Reeves, Bailey Reeves Mount, Brittany, Evelina, and Gavin Genetti; five great-grandchildren; a brother Gus Genetti, Wilkes-Barre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:30 am from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East) 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, followed by a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in St. John Bosco RC Church, 573 State Route 93, Sugarloaf. Interment will take place privately in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. Friends may call at the funeral home, Friday, May 21, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hazleton Rotary Scholarship Fund, 8 W. Broad St., Suite 50, Hazleton, PA 18201; Pathways to Recovery, 223 W. Broad St., Hazleton, PA 18201; or Sugarloaf Fire Company, 95 W. County Road, Sugarloaf, PA 18249. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

To share a memory, photos, or video, please go to: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21056684/William-E-Genetti

Memories shared on Facebook:

Christopher Genetti – May 8, 2021: Today we had to say goodbye to my father. He was very much loved and will be missed by all who knew him. I was fortunate to have had as much time as I did with him. God speed Dad.

Lyn Genetti Reeves – May 8, 2021: We said goodbye to our dad, Bill Genetti, this morning. He was a loving father and a wonderful, caring man. Our world will be emptier without him. God speed, Dad.

William Genetti – May 8, 2021: This morning, my dad passed away peacefully. He was a strong advocate for promoting the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry in Pennsylvania. He also passionately believed in the strength of the Greater Hazleton Area and the people of the community. He fought a long battle with his health and fought so hard. Rest easy Dad. I hope you are smoking a fine cigar and flying your airplane again. Until we meet again Dad … I will miss you greatly.

Patrick Genetti – May 8, 2021: Today we said goodbye to DAD, he will be deeply missed. I have so many great things to say about my dad. He taught me so many things, I couldn’t possibly mention them all. He instilled his character and work ethnic in all of us. He always pushed us to be the very best people we could be; sometimes a little harder, but other times without us even knowing it at the time. Dad taught me about business and hard work, and what being dedicated to a goal and seeing it through means. From his many decades on the board of Can-Do, Logo Sign Trust, Rotary, and many other boards that dad sat on; it was his way to give back to the community and try to create a better tomorrow for everyone around him. He worked hard for his clients, he taught me how to balance work and family. He loved his Family, his wife and kids and grandkids and great-grandchildren. Even in his last days, the smile that came upon him when he would see Eve and Gavin will be the smile that I will remember and that will warm my heart forever. Dad till next time – With God Speed.