Eugene Fred "Gene" Cirignano

Eugene "Gene" Fred Cirignano passed away on May 21, 2022 at the age of 94. He is survived by his son Gino and daughter-in-law, Linda, along with sister-in-law, Marion Kopecky, dear friend June Kahane and many nieces, nephews and good friends.

Gene was born on September 1, 1927 in Akron, Ohio. His mother Anna and father Chris emigrated from Naples, Italy as kids sailing into Ellis Island at the turn of the 20th century. He grew up in a family of seven brothers and one sister during the Great Depression. But it was when Gene discovered the trumpet at age 12 and started music lessons with his Uncle Freddy, that he found his life's calling. In 1943, at the age of 16, Gene began playing jazz trumpet in nightclubs because so many draft age musicians were serving in World War II. He spent two years in the Army Air Corp just after World War II ended (where he played trumpet in the military band and the Officer's Club at night). Gene went on to play in Big Bands across the country with Stan Kenton, Blue Baron and Spike Jones. He played for years in Lake Tahoe, Reno and Las Vegas - where he met his future wife of 57 years, Jessalyn Barbara Cirignano, a professional dancer. They married on January 27, 1958 and exactly nine months later, they had their only child, Gino. Gene also performed throughout Southern California, including "Ports O' Call" in San Pedro, "The Lighthouse" in Hermosa Beach and the "San Franciscan" in Torrance. Another of Gene's talents was cooking and he made many delicious meals for the family, specializing in homemade Italian food. He was always the life of the party and he touched many people throughout his life. He had a million stories and jokes galore.

Gene was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend - with a beautiful soul and infectious smile. He will be missed by many and always with us in spirit. May he rest in eternal peace.