Genaro Big "G" Cortez Centeno

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother was called home to be with our Lord Jesus on April 6, 2010, at his home with his family by his side. Genaro was born on July 28, 1939 in Lompoc and was a 57 year resident of Ventura where he graduated from Ventura High School.

In 1958 Genaro married the love of his life, Erlinda Ortega, and they enjoyed a precious life together for 51 years. For over 40 years he worked in the agricultural industry employed by both Calpine Containers and Gard Containers. Then he enjoyed a fulfilling 10 years with the Ventura Unified School District as a custodian at many schools within the district. He took great pride in concluding his tenure, retiring on March 10, 2010, for the past five years as a Sheridan Way "Dolphin." Genaro was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church who served as an usher.

During his younger years he enjoyed coaching his son in Little League in Saticoy. He was the number one fan of all his children's and grandchildren's sports activities and special events. His pastimes were playing baseball, softball, golf and bowling. He was a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers fan, avid viewer of John Wayne films, and passionate listener of Elvis music. He took great pleasure in tending to his yard and growing his fruit trees.

Big "G" enjoyed playing cards with his family and his bus trips to Laughlin. One of his greatest joys was founding and organizing our annual Family Reunion and Golf Tournament for the past 24 years.

We will forever be grateful to Dr. Bailey, Dr. Bryant and Dr. Menz for their excellent medical care. Also, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Roze Room Hospice nurses Carla and Barbie for their tender care.

Genaro is survived by his loving wife, Erlinda "Babe" Centeno; children, Cathy (Rob) Polzin, Genaro, Jr. "Sparky" (Dawn) Centeno and Chantell (John) Garcia; grandchildren, Ernie Gutierrez, III (Ginger), Genaro "GC" Centeno, III, Noah, Gia and Bijana (his little nurse) Garcia; great-granddaughter, Cydnie Gutierrez, affectionately nicknamed "Cyclone" by grandpa "G"; brothers, Ray (Jennie), Gene (Nicki), Eddie (Tisha); sisters, Margaret Alvarado, Vera Lopez, Victoria Lunsford, Corky Marquez, Lisa Camarillo, Toni Dietz and Gina (Pete) Duran, and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Genaro and Elvira Centeno; brother, Richard; sister, Tisha Centeno; brother-in-law, Robert Marquez. Big "G", Scadge, The Duke, Love, Dad, and Grandpa will forever be in our hearts and our precious memories of time spent together will bring us much needed comfort.

Visitation will be held From 12 to 9 p.m.on Thursday, April 15, with recitation of the rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Memorial mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Rd., Ventura. Burial will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H St., Oxnard. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.