April 22, 1924-January 21, 2013
Eugene, known by everyone as Gene or Gino, passed away peacefully at Serenity House on January 21, 2013 of respiratory failure. Gene was born in Virginia City, NV April 22, 1924, the oldest son of Italian immigrants. At an early age he moved with his parents to Santa Barbara where, with the exception of a few years, he spent his entire
life.
Gene was a modern day Renaissance man. His interests were wide and varied, but most of all he loved people and teaching his students. Gene graduated from Santa Barbara High School in January 1942 where he distinguished himself as a gridion and baseball star. While there, he was an integral part of three CIF title teams including the only CIF baseball championship the school has ever won in 1941. He joined the Merchant Marines after graduation. Upon return from the war he attended Santa Barbara State College briefly but long enough to meet his future wife (Jean Murray). He and Jean married July 17, 1948. In 1949 they embarked on a new venture in Pahrump, NV operating their turkey and chicken ranch. They moved back to Santa Barbara in 1950 where Jean resumed her teaching career and Gene worked with his father building houses and joined the Santa Barbara Fire Department. In 1954, while still on the fire department, Gene and Jean built and operated Gene's Drive-in in Goleta. He sold the business in 1957 and today it is known as the Hamburger Habit. In 1957 Gene resumed his education at UCSB. He graduated with honors while working as a carpet installer, heading the UCSB student yearbook staff all as he and Jean raised their growing family. In 1960 he received his general secondary education teaching credential and began his career teaching industrial arts at San Marcos High School where he remained until his retirement in 1986. There was never a more loyal Royal booster. He loved the school and his students. In retirement he and Jean became avid lawn bowlers and members of the Santa Barbara Art Society. Gene worked as a volunteer for numerous organizations. Together they travelled the world and achieved their goal of visiting all seven of the earth's continents; some several times over. Gene was honored as a charter member of the Santa Barbara High School Baseball Hall of Fame in June 2011, for which he was deeply honored.
He is survived by a brother Ray (Patricia); sons Christopher (Suzette) and Anthony (Laurie) and daughter Leslie; five grandchildren; and 6 great grand grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father (Ralph), mother (Linda), wife (Jean), brother (Ralph), and daughter (Lucinda).
A special thanks to all his many care givers over the years, especially Rosa, Elena and Alicia for the comfort, love and happiness they provided. A special thank you to Kathleen from Visiting Nurses of Santa Barbara and the caring staff at Hospice Serenity House. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care 930 Miramonte Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109 or your favorite charity.
Per Gene's wishes he will be interred at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with his loving wife, Jean at a private ceremony.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 22, 2013
He will be forever remembered by all of us who went to San Marcos. I hope he knew how deeply he successfully encouraged all to be the very best we could possibly be. He saw our potential before we could even imagine it. RIP Sir. Your heart shines on, in us all.
Lori Fox
Dominic Perello
February 7, 2013
I was student manager for Coach Skip Winans on that great 1941 CIF championship baseball team when Zuzalek , Mangini, and Navarro pitched a very good team to the SoCal CIF championship.
My condolences to the family
Jan and Steve Timbrook
February 2, 2013
Dear Tony, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you, Laurie, and the rest of the family at this sad time.
Robin
February 2, 2013
My condolences to the family. Gene was such a sweet and generous man. He and Mrs. Jean were the best neighbors. So full of life with so many interests and stories to tell. Their teaching, artwork, lawn bowling, and other activities touched thousands of lives over so many years. Gene's passion for gardening and growing Italian heirloom tomatoes was endless. I have fond memories of him puttering in his garden well into his later years, tending to beans, flowers, trees and tomatoes. Feeding peanuts by hand to scrub jays from his porch. Regaling us with stories of raising chickens and tending to kestrel chicks falling from nests. RIP Gino. I know Heaven has a patch of rich soil for you to tend and music to dance to with your Jean.
February 2, 2013
Gino will always have a place in our hearts. After your mom died he would visit our dad almost every day, they would sit in the backyard, have a beer and just talk away. We have lots of pictures going back to high school, including many pics of merchant marine days. He lived a good life. Our thoughts are with you, Sandy and Craig Togni
February 2, 2013
RIP You would have to look long and hard to find a better person. My thoughts go out to his family. He has big shoes to fill.
Sincerely,
The Eby's,
Jennifer and Jim
Pam Bateman
February 1, 2013
My Uncle Gene was the best uncle! He was funny and positive, and always kind to me. He encouraged me to do my best and follow my dreams.
To my cousins Chris, Leslie and Tony, I send my sympathies and love.
Roberta Mangini
February 1, 2013
Gene, aka [email protected] is unforgettable and will have a place in our hearts always. Fuzzy, Thanks for the open arms,laughter and love.
jim
January 31, 2013
My remembrance returns to Peabody Stadium one Friday night when Gene Mangini caught an overhead Ruben Navarro pass in the end zone. What a thrill. He was a great Don!
vcm
January 31, 2013
You really enjoyed dancing at the Goleta Valley Senior Center on Tuesday & Thursday. You will be missed.
January 30, 2013
Gene was my very favorite teacher I was in his Graphic Arts classes from 1960-63 He was a GREAT person. Craig Smith
Jim Chase
January 30, 2013
He was one of my favorite teachers and his drafting classes were instrumental in my career as an Architect (SMHS class of 63)
Frank & Diane Corker
January 30, 2013
Frank & Diane Corker
Punky Villanueva
January 30, 2013
Mr. Mangini was one of the best teachers I had at San Marcos during the mid-1960s. I took drafting from him my junior and senior years after having a great start with a introduction class taught by Mr. Puailoa. I as glad that I was able to visit with Mr. Mangini a few years ago at his home in Goleta... main topic was baseball!! Many, many thanks to Mr. Mangini for being a part of my educational career.
January 30, 2013
Best teacher I had at San Marcos, RIP Sir
Jeffery Davis
January 29, 2013
I will always remember the support and encourgement that he gave me in my years at SMHS. He was my favorite teacher there! I still use the skills that he taught me in drafting class.
Shirley Silva
January 29, 2013
God has a great man to add to Heaven...Rest in Peace my Dear Friend....
January 29, 2013
Best wishes to all his family from Totch, Nee Dorothy Winn, class of '44.
leslie mangini
January 29, 2013
You were the best father a girl could have, I will love you always Dad! Our last conversation was unforgetable.I hope you're dancing away with mom, tearing it up!
Geoffrey Williams
January 29, 2013
To this day I still use the skills that Mr. Mangini taught us in Drafting class at SMHS back in the 60's. One of my all time favorite teaches.
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