Eugene M. Rianda
On December 12, 1925, the Amazing Eugene was born to Attilio Antino and Barebellini (Minnie) in Santa Maria, California. Eugene went to the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley, California. He was an excellent student and played in all of the sports. He met his wife, Betty at CSD and made many long lasting friendships. In his teen age years, Eugene worked at Yosemite National Park during the summers and climbed all of the magnificent rock mountains. When Eugene graduated, he moved to Alaska for work and made a small fortune to woo Betty to marry him on April 22, 1950. They settled in San Jose and raised their 2 children Rose and Steve.
Eugene retired from Lockheed in 1990 after 30 years as a cabinet maker, carpenter, mock up and tooling in the woodshop. Eugene was a leader of the deaf community. Everyone respected and admired Eugene. He was president of the San Jose Deaf club in the 1950’s. Eugene had a very active social life and was an avid bowler, bowling in many leagues and winning many trophies. Eugene bowled a 180 shortly before he passed away! He also liked to go hiking and backpacking with his deaf buddies. He also loved trains and had a special train room in his home. Eugene loved to eat and organized many cruises with his deaf friends during his retirement. Eugene also loved to travel and has been to many places in the US as well as Europe. You can see a picture of Eugene with the movie star Ann Blythe (the mermaid) at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk arcade. He loved to watch documentaries and read historical books. His Swiss ancestry was very important to him and he has many compilations of his life he created and shared with his family and friends. After retirement, Eugene and Betty moved to Gold River to be closer with Rose. Rose eventually was his devoted caretaker.
Eugene had a strong love and devotion to God. He studied the Bible and received a “Certificate of Biblical Completion” from Ambassador College in 1980. He was a very religious man and was recently baptized with Rose in the river August 26, 2007. Eugene was a great father and husband. Eugene and Betty were married 56 years. Betty passed away in 2006. He taught his kids respect and honesty. He worked very hard and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Eugene had four grandchildren – Matthew, Paula, Anthony, and Michaela and five great grandchildren – Shaun, Samantha, Cal, Crue, and Attlee (and one on the way!)
Eugene passed away on May 17, 2018 in Camino, California. The celebration of life will be at Oak Hill Mortuary in San Jose, CA on May 26, 2018.
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