We share with sadness the passing of Eugene Jeffrey Zhiss, 82, who passed away peacefully due to complications associated with leukemia at his home early Sunday morning. Gene was a native of Brooklyn, NY and lived in Charlotte for 34 years.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Gene received his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his MBA at SUNY - Binghamton (State University of New York). His career took he and his family to places as diverse as Binghamton, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; and finally brought him to Charlotte, where he spent the final 34 years of his life. Gene served professionally as VP Marketing and Dealer Services at Meineke. He was routinely the first person in the office each morning, and he took great pride in helping to grow the company, maintaining strong and lasting bonds with franchisees, leading advertising and developing Meineke’s community and charitable outreach.
Gene loved collecting stamps, and served as the president of the Charlotte Philatelic Society as well as many other philatelic associations around the country. He also served as the President of the Senior Scholars of Charlotte. Gene was never happier than when he was surrounded by family and friends. He was jovial and loved sharing a quip or joke with the crowd. Gene and Geri met in June 1966, got engaged in July, and married in January of 1967. He also loved to travel with Geri and friends all over the world.
Gene is survived by his wife, Geri Zhiss; sons, Ron Zhiss (Melissa), Mike Zhiss (Tracy), and Peter Zhiss (Laura); and seven grandchildren he adored: Parker, Connor, Maeli, Ella, Maxwell, Benjamin, and Samuel. Gene will also be lovingly remembered by his sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Lee Kleinman. He was predeceased by his parents, Max Zhiss and Lillian Groden Zhiss.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the funeral will be private but will stream live on the Facebook page of the Hebrew Cemetery Association of Charlotte at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021. The family will be observing Shiva on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 7:00 pm in the evening via Zoom at: HTTPS://tinyurl.com/sinaiworship
Password: 5645.
If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please give to The Children’s Miracle Network or to the charity of your choice.
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