Eugene Jerome Berzansky

On the evening of August 14, 2016, Gene passed away peacefully being comforted by his family at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, Ca. He had successfully beat lymphoma 4

years ago. After coming to faith in Christ, he won the final victory as well. Gene was one day shy of his 80th birthday.

Born Aug 15, 1936 in Patton, a small town in Pennsylvania, Gene was the oldest of 6 children. He was proceeded in death by Hugh and Loretta Yeckley, and survived by Carol Yeckley, Sandy Yeckley, and Richard Yeckley. His Grandfather Alex, Mom Alice and Aunt Mary were very special to him as well, and he had many fond stories of his years in Patton, PA.

Not much for school in the early years young Gene beat his Aunt Mary home from drop off of the first day of school. He told stories of many days spent beneath the bridge watching the water go by pondering life while he waited for his school mates to come by so he could join them in the walk home from school. In High School he did enjoy playing on the football team and playing drums in the band when he was not being kicked out.

He joined the Air Force immediately following High School. He liked to tell about how he put on 40 pounds, "all muscle", and grew 6 inches in boot camp. He played on the base football team in Chitose, Japan. "These were the best two years of competing that I can recall. From August to Thanksgiving, all we did was practice, play and eat. I was in the best shape of my life." It was while playing in a game that he lost his 6 front teeth. He told the base dentist to "just pull all the rest".

Returning from Japan in 1957, Gene was stationed at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. It was here he met and married his lovely wife, Patsy Ann Nichols. Gene talked about this as the finest decision he ever made.

Soon after marriage, He received orders for Guam. He did not know he had left a pregnant wife. When he was able to return to his wife in 1960, he had a 13 month old daughter, Teri.

The young Berzansky family was next stationed in Lompoc, Ca. at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

In 1967, their son Steven Eugene was born and followed quickly, 6 years later, by David James.

It was in Lompoc where a friend asked him to help coach a junior high football team. They had some success, and the coach at Lompoc High School asked him to consider coaching at the high school level.

For 27 years, from 1972 to 1999, Coach Ski was in the Lompoc High Football program. Gene spent many of these years coaching running backs, special teams, kickers and the defensive ends. The coaching staff was very successful winning many league championships. At one time Lompoc won 28 consecutive league games, equating to five and a half years of league dominance; as well as holding the record for most consecutive appearances in the Southern Section playoffs. Going to the championship game seven times, and only winning once, was also a record, that wasn't talked about much.

All of these years, Coach Ski was a full time, 30 year employee of ITT/FEC from 1966 to 1996, and was very grateful to them for allowing him all the time necessary to attend every practice and event. He also had many friends and stories of his years at ITT launching "rockets". The irony was not lost on his associates that he was a supervisor of 20 computer communication technicians, yet he only knew how to play solitaire on his own computer.

In 2000, Gene and Pat moved to Riverside. He had promised Pat a newly built two story home. They enjoyed life together and the arrival of a grandson Greyson and a granddaughter Bailey.

They were overjoyed when twin Grandchildren James and Daniella joined the family in July 2014.

Although Gene was not in Lompoc, he was not done coaching. Vista Murrieta came calling and he coached from 2003-2005. His son Steve was thrilled when Coach Ski helped him and a friend coach his Grandson Greyson in a flag football league and helped take them to the championship game. "Every day spent in this environment was mostly anticipation of what the next practice or game would bring. I shall always remember the many players that I had the pleasure of coaching - and especially the close friendships of the people that I was fortunate enough to coach with. It is now time to say goodbye and thank you."

Football was not the only sport Gene loved. Golf was an enjoyable pass time and opportunity to spend time with friends and family in close quarters for many hours. Gene loved the tradition of watching the Sunday PGA "final round" together with his son Steve. As well as receiving the daily phone call from his son David, and loved all the time spent with his grandkids attending their sporting and school events.

Gene loved classical music, and Mozart was his favorite. Most people were not aware that Gene could play the harmonica very well. He loved the movies Patton, Camelot, Amadeous, Stand By Me and October Sky.

Gene's start in a small, coal mining, immigrant town was humble. He was a loving son to his mother, "Bubba", and his youth was spent as part of the greatest generation in the United States military of the 1950's. These early experiences forged a character of honor, courage and determination. He was a celebrated leader on the field, at the office, and at home with his family. Gene will be remembered by many, and his legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched.

Gene is survived by the love of his life, Patsy Ann Berzansky, daughter Teri Huckins, son Steven Eugene Berzansky, his wife Stacy, their two children Greyson and Bailey, a son David James Berzansky, his wife Wendy, and their twin children James and Daniella.

Memorial services will be held at Magnolia Church in Riverside Ca. Wednesday, August 24th, at 10:00 am with a reception to follow. Graveside service will be at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:45 pm.

Per Gene's request, donations may be sent to Magnolia Church. Personal condolences can be made at the mortuary website for Gene at achesonandgraham.com

"That a Pepper"