On July 27, 2019, Eugene (Gene) Anthony Sapnaro passed to Heaven at the age of 84 in Sacramento CA, surrounded by the love and prayers of his devoted family. Gene was born January 5, 1935. He grew up on a ranch in Sacramento, on the property where Sam Brannan Middle School now resides, with his parents Jack Sr and Lena, his sister Connie, and brother Jack Jr. On the farm, they raised pigs and planted crops. Gene graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1953. Gene worked for the State of California Telecommunications Division and retired in 2000 with 48 years of service. Gene also served our country in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for 39 years, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. Of note during his distinguished career, he served as crew chief for harbor security patrol for both the 1984 Summer Olympic Games out of Long Beach Harbor and the 1992 America’s Cup yacht race out of San Diego Harbor. Gene was also an accomplished wedding photographer, woodwork craftsman, and gardener. He was known for his kind and generous manner, infectious laugh and sense of humor. Whether with his brother Jack, nephew Rick, son James, grandsons Artie or Scott Jr, or son-in-law Scott, he had many happy times camping, hiking, hunting and especially fishing. He was an awesome and loving grandfather to his 4 grandchildren. He belonged to the Marsala Lodge, where he held various offices, and was lodge secretary for 15 years. Gene was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. Gene was preceded in death by his daughter Stacey, his brother Jack, his sister Constance, and his nephew Richard. He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 61 years, his daughter Jill (Scott), his son James (Karen), his grandsons Arthur and Scott Jr. (Jen), his granddaughters Juliana (Jeff) and Kimberley (Ruben), and 5 great-grandchildren Colt and Austin (Scott), Elise and Silas (Juliana), and Wyatt (Kimberley).
With all of our love, Arrivaderci Gene!
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