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Cleto Genelza Obituary



Cleto Sergio Genelza

Dec. 20, 1944 - June 17, 2011

Resident of San Jose

Cleto, 66, died after a courageous 7-year fight against cancer. He was born in the Philippines, and came to Redwood City with his family at age 4. He graduated from Menlo Atherton HS and served in the Navy in Vietnam. He attended Ca¤ada College and SJSU, and completed bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. Cleto was an MFCC for 39 years.

Cleto will be greatly missed by his wife Darlene; daughter Novella; sister Stepha and her husband John; brothers Joseph and Gregorio; nephew Tony; niece Anne; and great-nephews Tomas and Cooper. His family and friends will remember his humor, warmth, kindness, intelligence, decency, and willingness to give of himself through his service to his country, dedication to his family, and many years of work in the mental health field.

Special thanks to Kaiser doctors Joseph Mason, Clifford Harris, and Mark Williams. We are grateful for the loving care Cleto received from hospice and Kaiser nurses. Thank you to our brothers and sisters for their emotional support. COTH friends, you were there as caregivers, prayer partners, and especially as good listeners. Thank you, Team Cleto!

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sat., July 2, at Church on the Hill, 500 Sands Dr., San Jose.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jun. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Cleto Genelza

Sponsored by Novella Genelza, in loving memory of the best father a girl could ask for..

Not sure what to say?





June 1, 2015

Dear Cleto:

Almost 4 years since you left us. Miss you so much! I wish I could talk to you. Love always Darlene xoxo

Stan Murai

July 10, 2011

I hadn't seen Cleto for many years already, but I had always thought of contacting him and reconnecting. But now I know that won't be possible. But I'll always remember the warm gentle smile and friendship we shared through the years at SJSU and years afterwards. I'll miss him, and I'll be eternally grateful to have known him. I hope these few words will be of some comfort to Darlene and Novella.

Lorene Laffranchi

July 6, 2011

I met Cleto some 20+ years ago and he left a warm impression with me from the first moment of meeting him. He was a kind and gentle man. My deepest sympathy.

Susan Flores-Wilkinson

July 2, 2011

Genelza Family, My grandfather, Joe N. Flores lived next door to the Genelza family from the 1950-2000. Our families wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss and extend our prayers to comfort you. May you treasure your memories of Cleto.
Susan(Flores) Wilkinson and family

Helen Soares

July 1, 2011

Darlene, I never met you, but worked with Cleto at HOPE. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Helen O. Soares

Steve Longeway

June 28, 2011

Darlene and Novella, We wish we could be there physically to help support you both. We hope you feel our presence as our thoughts and love are with you always. We love you both and we loved Cleto very much, he will be missed. Nancy and Steve Longeway (Ontario)

Bob & Diana Rogers

June 28, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Aunt Darlene. Hope Cleto gets to stop at the 'Rainbow Bridge'. I'm sure that would make him smile.

Sharon Genelza

June 26, 2011

I met Cleto in the 1960's and from the start he had the warmest and sincere smile. He was the most compassionate man I have ever known. Mama thought he should be a priest. He was the one who was always there to support me and my children in the darkest times. He gave me peace and hope. Cleto's love will live in my heart forever.
Love Sharon Genelza, sister in law

June 24, 2011

Auntie Darlene and Novella,
We send lots of love. Cleto was a gentle and loving man and we will miss him.
Love Cathy and Family

June 23, 2011

Darlene and Novella It has been my pleasure to have known you both. I'm so glad God put me in your lives. Cleto, I am going to miss your beautiful smile! Debbie Smith from Team Cleto

billy wardle

June 22, 2011

A friend from work passed away this week after a long struggle with cancer. He and I use to compare notes with regards to our children. His daughter was a hockey player, and he use to always let me know how she was doing. I met him when she was in high school, and he would update me as she graduated and then was off to school. Several years ago we switched buildings and I had less contact with him; but I would see him in the parking lot at times. Then about a year he left the county. Now I realize this was because of his illness. So I want to let Cleto know I will miss him, and his family know that he was appreciated.

Carrie Wilbee

June 22, 2011

Darlene and Novella - while we are not there with you physically, please know our thoughts and prayers are. We love you - Carrie & family

Truman Lindsey

June 22, 2011

I am glad to meet him. love and all for cleto. grandson of judy.

Judith Steinmetz

June 22, 2011

Darlene and Novella, it was such an honor for me to be part of Team Cleto. Although I only knew him briefly, I felt privileged to talk to him and laugh, share stories and sit by his side. I send my love to you, Novella, and Cleto. Judy Steinmetz

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