Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Eugene Genovese, "Gene "

Passed away on March 25, 2024

Eugene “Gene” George Genovese, formerly from Beecher, Illinois passed away, March 25, 2024, from complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Gene was born in Harvey, Illinois, on December 3, 1935, to John and Julia Genovese. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Betty (Stafford) and two siblings, Robert, and Joan (Lenzo).

Gene grew up in Harvey, IL, at a young age he served as an altar boy at Ascension Catholic Church. He attended Mt. Carmel HS in Chicago for 2 years, then graduated from Thornton HS, in Harvey, where he met his wife, Betty Stafford. Gene and Betty married on May 8, 1954. They were married 66 years. 

He began working at Commonwealth Edison in 1953. He started as a lineman and eventually became President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #1479, vigorously representing its members and negotiating for many of the member benefits still in-place today. He retired from Commonwealth Edison in 1995, after 42 years of service.

Gene coached Little League in Harvey for many years and led a team to multiple city championships.  He loved golfing and was involved in many leagues, he was in a scuba dive club, he built and flew ultralight airplanes.  He had a very active life and loved adventure. 

He is survived by his children, Jeffrey, and spouse Sandra (Lange), Julee, and spouse Duane Rauch, Jordan, and spouse Tina (Pedraza). Five Grandchildren, Joshua Rauch and spouse Jennifer, Jackson Genovese, Jeremy Rauch and spouse Mackenzie, Weston Genovese, and Natalie Genovese.Three Great-Grandchildren, Bradley, Maisyn and Ryler. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 12:00 noon until time of service at 3:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th Ln.) St. John. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution’s can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). For more information 219-365-3474

Visitation Information

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm

Prayer Service
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 3:00 pm

Condolences
"Prayers to the family from Vince and Dana Lenzo in Ruidoso, NM"
- Vince and Dana Lenzo
March 31, 2024 5:36 pm
"Gene was a BEAUTIFUL person & VERY PLEASANT co-worker, my condolences to ALL his family."
- Florence Thomas Currie
April 2, 2024 10:00 am
"My sincere condolences to Family & Friends. Gene was a great guy. A very caring man. He was an excellent Union President and did much for us in Local 1479! R.I.P. Gene. 🙏"
- Rick Krikshiunas
April 3, 2024 4:51 am
"I send my sincerest condolences to his family.I met Gene when I was a lineman in Harvey. Definitely appreciate all of his hard work for us with the Union."
- Michael Simmons
April 4, 2024 3:49 am
"Our condolences to the Family of Gene Genovese. We have many fun memories of Gene and Betty throughout the years of knowing them. Gene and Betty were more like family than friends. Bob and Lorraine Malone"
- Lorraine Malone
April 4, 2024 6:20 pm
"My sympathy to Julee, Jordan, and Jeff. I know that your loss was a long good-bye. Eugene was the last of John and Julia's family. I hope that there is a reunionl in the great beyond. Peace to you, your spouses and children. Liz"
- Liz Genovese
April 13, 2024 9:27 pm
Candles Lit
"Sending Deepest Sympathy to the family of Gene. He will be Dearly missed by all who knew and loved him! May he Rest in Eternal Peace in the arms of Our Lord! "
- Mr. & Mrs. Victor M. Pedraza, Sr.
April 2, 2024 2:02 pm