Geno Sposto

Gene (Egildo) Sposto, a long time resident of Downey, died on March 1 at the age of 86. One of thirteen children born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Italian immigrants Giovanna and Arturo Sposto, he first moved to Southern California with his family in the early 1950’s and eventually settled in Downey in 1957. A musician, master mechanic and entrepreneur, he founded Gildo’s Italian Market, Pizza and Deli in Norwalk, CA in the 1970’s, and Uncle Geno’s Pizza and Deli in Downey in the 1980’s. After he retired he worked for a number of years at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center. He was a member of UNICO and was one of the early members of the Downey Bocce Club. In recognition of his volunteer work, the City of Downey named him “Older American of the Year” in 2004. He is survived by his sister Adeline De Renzes of Glenside, Pennsylvania, by Lillian, his wife of 62 years, by his sons Richard, David, and James and their families, including five granddaughters, Shauntelle, Liana, Gina, Glennis, and Lorraine plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements under the direction of Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary, Downey, CA.