Eugene Albert Klingler

Eugene (Gene) Albert Klingler, a long-time resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, passed away at the age of 95 in Brentwood, CA on February 2, 2025. Gene was born in San Francisco on December 10, 1929, and was the cherished only child of Fred and Sophie Klingler.

Eugene's early life was deeply rooted in the community of Daly City, where he attended Perpetual Help Grammar School and later, Saint Ignatius High School. Gene’s Catholic faith always remained an important thread throughout his life. Gene’s childhood passion for baseball, along with his pure athleticism and competitive nature, blossomed into a remarkable talent, leading him to play in All-Star Games during high school at the legendary Seals Stadium. This love of the game continued through his college years, earning him a full athletic scholarship to St. Mary's College to play baseball where he once again excelled and was inducted into the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame (February 9, 1974).

In 1952, Eugene's dreams of professional baseball became a reality when he joined the San Francisco Seals. However, his career was temporarily interrupted when he was called to serve his country during the Korean War. During this time, he played baseball for the US Army in support of the troops. Upon his return, he resumed his professional baseball career, playing until 1958. Gene even has his name on the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat!

Eugene then dedicated himself to serving his community joining the Daly City Fire Department. He rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and bravery. Gene retired as a respected Captain after 28 years of service.

Gene's passion for sports extended far beyond baseball. He possessed a fiercely competitive spirit, which he channeled into every activity he undertook, whether it was a round of golf, a game of horseshoes, or a spirited card game. A master golfer, Gene approached the game with dedication and skill, playing courses all throughout California with some of his favorites being the Olympic Club, Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills and Spyglass. Gene would play any course he could get on! He maintained his passion for golf well into his later years, playing with his Men's Club at Hidden Valley Lake and the Brentwood Men's Club, both where he received many awards. Remarkably at the age of 90, Gene, beat his age in golf by shooting an 88 and continued golfing until the age of 94. If he wasn’t playing sports, he was watching them, whether it was golf, his beloved Giants, 49ers or his all-time favorite, The Warriors. Even until his last day, Gene’s zest for life could be seen as he was riding his bike, which he would do twice a day, in the Apple Hill Community, rain or shine.

Eugene was a devoted family man, cherishing his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married the love of his life, Gloria Arnerich, and together they built a life in San Ramon, full of travel, adventure, love and raising their family. Their favorite times were the summer months they spent as a family at their summer home in Hidden Valley Lake. In 1999, they moved to Brentwood to be closer to their children and grandchildren, which also gave Gene the chance to live on the golf course. Gene’s children, Christina (Bill) and Matthew, were the pride of his life and Gene took great pleasure in all their accomplishments. He set an example to always live life to the fullest and never give up on your dreams. Gene’s grandchildren, Stephen, Chance, Christian, Alyssa, Kaylee, Tyler, Melanie, Austin, Owen and his great-grandchild, Everleigh, love their Gramps, Grandpa and Grandpa Golfing so much. They were in awe of how he lived such a long life still doing the things he loved.

Eugene's life was one of passion, service, and dedication. His family, faith, friends, and family traditions were important to him, as was his competitive spirit and his pure joy for the game of golf. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to these, and for his love of baseball. Gene will be remembered for his gentle nature, yet firm when needed, his big, warm smile, and his unwavering determination to work hard in anything he set his mind to.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Eugene’s Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brentwood at 10:00 a.m. Following this, we will reunite Gene with his wife Gloria at the Union Cemetery in Brentwood. A lunch reception will be held in Gene’s honor at the Edwards home in Walnut Creek following the service.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.