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Gene Lauder Tunney

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Gene Tunney Obituary

In Tiburon, CA, Gene Lauder Tunney, the eldest of four children of former heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney and brother of former California U.S. Senator John V. Tunney, has died at the age of 77. He died at his home here Sunday, August 9, 2009, from complications of cancer, surrounded by Ann Muldoon Tunney, his wife of 49 years, and members of his extended family. Tunney dedicated his life to public service, most notably in Northern California where he was elected to five consecutive terms, or twenty years, as District Attorney of Sonoma County. He also served with the office of the district attorney of Alameda County and with the Sonoma County office of the public defender. Following his retirement, he lived for ten years on the big island of Hawaii, where he swam in the ocean every day, golfed and traveled extensively with his wife Ann. He was born November 18, 1931, three years after his father Gene Tunney retired from the ring as heavyweight boxing champion. Tunney attended Westminster School, Simsbury, CT, Yale University, and received his law degree from the University of San Francisco. An avid pilot, Tunney and his wife Ann, also a pilot, for years flew a small plane from California to Maine every summer to take their four children on vacation. He traveled widely overseas and though he carried a famous name, he shied away from the spotlight, preferring instead to focus on family and his work. Survivors include his wife, Ann; brothers John V. Tunney of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Jay R. Tunney of New York City; and a son Gene Varick Tunney of Tiburon; three daughters Megan Muldoon Tunney and Alexandra Kelly of San Diego, and Erin MacLeod of Cedar Park, TX, and seven grandchildren. A sister, Joan Cook, died in 2008. He was a member of the California District Attorneys Association and the Santa Rosa Rotary Club. A vigil service will be held Friday at 4:00 p.m. at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Tiburon. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Hilary at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 15th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hospice by the Bay Marin, 17 East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Larkspur, CA, 94939. MONTE'S CHAPEL OF THE HILLS SAN ANSELMO, CA (415)453-8440

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Published by Press Democrat from Aug. 13 to Aug. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gene Tunney

18 Entries

Conrad (Curt) Cowan

March 8, 2010

Gene and I spent a couple of years together at Westminster; he was a year behind me. Tried to get in touch with him in Sebastopol (without success) before he moved to HI. My father was a nationally syndicated cartoonist who knew Gene's father well (he did sports cartoons and they played softball together with Lowell Thomas's Nine Old Men). I recently met a retired SF Police officer who was hired out of retirement by Gene in Sonoma County years ago. Although Gene and I were never close friends, we knew each other fairly well as the total enrollment at school was 135 boys. I regret not having seen him since; we lived quite close for many years.

Stewart Halstead

August 30, 2009

My father, Ace Halstead, an FBI agent who worked in the Santa Rosa office from 1974 until his retirement in 1990, made it a point that I knew who the "bright lights" in the judicial system were. Mr. Tunney was at the top of the list. Because we lost my father two years ago, I know first hand that the fond memories of Mr. Tunney will help your family through these difficult times.

Lorraine Coleman

August 16, 2009

I worked with Mr. Tunney at the District Attorney's office and to this day share stories with my kids of working with him. He was so tall and overpowering in appearance but so kind hearted. I had many conversations with him in his office or the hall that left me feeling that he really enjoyed his job and cared about his employees as well as the fact that he expected their best. You had his respect if you did your best and that was saying something. I still have pictures of office parties that we had and he always came out and participated. I will treasure those memories forever. I always wondered where he had gone after he retired. I hope that he enjoyed his retirement and time with his family that he so richly deserved after such a dedicated life to serving the public of Sonoma County. Thank you for sharing him with us. It was a previlage to work with him.

Lindsay Sullivan

August 16, 2009

Dear Tunney Family,

On behalf of the Sullivan family, we send our prayers and sympathies to you from San Diego. My parents have many fond memories of Gene and their thoughts are with you all now. As my god-father, I will always remember Mr. Tunney's warm heart and smile which he shared so generously with those around him.

Malachy McCourt

August 14, 2009

Dear Tunney Clan
The living must at all times close ranks in the face of death lest grief overwhelm us . Words though inadequate must be said sympathy expressed condolences sent none of which can fill the place in the family circle left vacant Tears smiles memories come cascading in a jumble of sorrow with the wish Please dont be dead. reality tells us carry on and we do

My best to you Family

Malachy McCourt and Clan

jerome mautner

August 14, 2009

The old warrior has left this field of battle and has risen, strong again, in the army of his Lord.

Kathy Hernandez

August 14, 2009

Dear Ann and Family,

I am saddened to hear of the death of Gene. He was a man of integrity. I will also always remember his great stories and his robust laugh. It was a privilege and honor to know him and to work with him. He left a giant footprint here in Sonoma County that has not been replaced and he will be greatly missed.
Kathy Knotts Hernandez (Santa Rosa, CA)

Paul Stefani

August 13, 2009

As Lt. in charge of narcotics enforcement for the Sheriff Department, we felt very fortunate to have Gene in charge of the District Atty's. office and admired his abilities and fairness.

Greg Jacobs

August 13, 2009

I was fortunate enough to work with Gene Tunney during his entire career as Sonoma County D.A. His career of public service will rarely be matched, if ever. I was proud to be a member of his office, and he was the reason I decided to be a career prosecutor. He had a great mind, a strong will, and unerring judgment. I will never forget him.

Cerena Wong

August 13, 2009

Dear Ann and family,
As the first female Deputy DA Gene hired in 1976, I am saddened to hear of his death. He was a wonderful man. I had so much professional pride in working in the office that he ran. I have so many wonderful memories of him as a leader, role model and a man of integrity. He led by example, early to the office, late to leave, meticulous attention to detail, constantly keeping up to date with the law. But for all his professional accomplishments, I remembered how much he loved and cherished his family.
He was one in a million.

Sal & Connie Rosano

August 13, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Gene Tunney during the years he served as the District Attorney for Sonoma County.

Gene was a consumate professional who stood by his convictions and did not allow the occasional critizism of his strong leadership to deter him.

There are too many stories to share in this brief space, but suffice to say that working with Gene for the 20 years he served as DA was one of the more memorable experiences of my career.

Many of us in the law enforcement profession admired him for the principled position he took on the issues before him.

We are sadened to learn of Gene's passing, and our prayers go out to Ann and his family.

Elliot Daum

August 13, 2009

Gene Tunney was the quitessential old school gentleman. I opposed him in court for many years, had screaming arguments with him and numerous disagreements about all manner of things. But he was always the gentleman, and always treated me fairly no matter what. Everyone knew that Gene had the personal wealth and talent to do nearly anything he wanted, and that he chose to be our dedicated District Attorney for all those years was clearly our blessing. I send my deepest condolences to his family and will always remember his strength and greatness as a public servant. I will also remember his raconteurship which was second to none. What a fabulous story-teller!

Judge Elliot Lee Daum

Larry Scoufos

August 13, 2009

Dear Ann and Family,

As you know, Gene had the intelligence, charisma and personality to be successful at any endeavor on a national or international stage. Yet, we were so fortunate that he always chose to serve the citizens of Sonoma County as the District Attorney. He was a man of great integrity, high ethical standards and a wonderful human being. It was an honor to have worked for Gene for fourteen years. My sympathies and prayers go out for your loss.

Jamie Thistlethwaite

August 13, 2009

Gene was a wonderful prosecutor and an admirable man. I first met him when I was a young Public Defender and I was awed by his presence. The longer I knew him, the more comfortable he made me feel. He was always fair, honest and tough. He will be missed.

T.J. Van Bebber

August 13, 2009

Gene was a wonderful man and he was extremely respected by law enforcement. On behalf of many and the men and woman in law enforcement in Sonoma County our prayers go out to his family.

Sam Saunders

August 13, 2009

Our hearts ache today at the loss of a truly good and great man who served well his God, family, community and country to the best of his ability. Gene was a big man, with a big heart, strong handshake, a big smile who possessed and demonstrated an extraordinary level of professionalism. In his career, he didn't demand respect, he gave respect and earned it in return.
Much can be said because the loss is so wide and deep. My prayers are with his family for God's comfort and direction.

Sam Saunders (a friend forever)

Kelly Jensen

August 13, 2009

A man who made a difference. Hoping your many full-of-life memories soon replace the sorrow you are experiencing.

Barry McBride

August 13, 2009

Gene hired me in 1981 for the best job I ever had, as a deputy district attorney . I'm still at it thanks to him. As a District Attorney, he set the standard that has hasn't been replicated. As a boss, he was fair, approachable and even-handed. As a person, he was respected .
I'm sorry for your loss, please be assured that Gene's memory will live on through those who worked for him.

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