Paolo Nicola Stefano Gennaro

Paolo Nicola Stefano Gennaro was a man who built bridges. Born on March 16, 1962 in Monterey Bay to Anna Maria and Antonino Gennaro, Paul quickly learned the value of hard work. His father, an immigrant from Sicily, was a stonemason who worked tirelessly to create a life for his family in America. Paul applied that same diligence to his early pursuits, ranging from earning good grades in school, guiding his younger brothers and sister, and even nurturing stray pigeons.

Paul went on to complete an undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he met the love of his life, Barbara. Paul, ever the persistent worker, pursued Barbara with weekly roses and poetry. They were married in 1986 and relocated to Fresno, where he earned his masters degree in civil engineering at Fresno State. They shared nearly 38 years of marriage. Paul welcomed his first son, Anthony Gennaro, in 1991, and his second son, Michael, in 1995. He was a successful engineer, starting his career at PGE from 1986-1991 and then spending 33 years working at CalTrans, managing projects across the state of California.

Paul was a true servant of the Lord, always helping others. He created an abundant life in the valley, spending countless hours volunteering at his sons' music events, enjoying daily bike rides on local trails, and taking his beloved dog, Stella, on adventures. Paul Gennaro built bridges: adorning California with safe roads, building loving and lasting relationships, raising his sons with profound care, and ensuring a secure future for his family. Paul was a man of devoted Catholic faith, and passed into the arms of God on April 9th, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. A true testament to his generous spirit, Paul gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Antonino Gennaro. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gennaro: uncle, Giuseppe (RoseAnn) Gennaro; sons, Anthony (Rachel) Gennaro and Michael (Shaylea) Gennaro; mother Anna Maria Gennaro; siblings Robert (Ramya) Gennaro, Giuseppe (Geri) Gennaro, and Carmela (Steve) Wong; and countless other loving family members.

"If we love one another his love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:12

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024 at St. Paul Newman Center, 1572 East Barstow Avenue, Fresno, California 93710.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a charitable contribution to the Donor Network West Foundation in remembrance of Paul Gennaro’s life, The Donor Network West Foundation's mission is to support donor families, transplant recipients and educate communities about the power of organ, eye and tissue donation. Visit DonorNetworkWest.org/Foundation to learn more.