A. Joseph Genova

Anthony Joseph Genova (aka Joe), 59, long-time Central Coast resident, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 22, 2024. As a child, he lived in North Hollywood, CA. His family moved to Arroyo Grande, CA and he graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1982. In the last decade of his life, he moved to Fresno to be near his daughter.



From a very young age, he was passionate about all things relating to cars. He attended Allan Hancock College and received his associate's degree in Automotive Technology. He became an ASE Certified Master Mechanic and worked for various establishments on the Central Coast for over 30 years. He was known around town for his Chevy Luv that he rebuilt from the ground up. He was a mechanical genius and could build or fix anything.



He enjoyed off-roading, camping and being at the beach. As an avid movie enthusiast, he went to the theater several times a week and had an immense collection of over 1000 DVDs. He often quoted lines from movies as part of a conversation. He was always working on jigsaw puzzles with his kids; after the puzzles were completed, he would glue them together for display. He was a shopper and took pleasure in hunting for bargains. He loved animals, fostered many litters of feral kittens and adopted two of the furballs. His garden gave him great joy and he grew his own produce; he ate everything his garden yielded. His favorites were peppers and melons, but he was always experimenting with other fruits, vegetables and herbs.



Most of all, he loved being a dad to his three children, Jake, Nick and Audrie. Joe was so proud of his kids and had so much love in his heart for them. They were his entire world. He loved his immediate family and large extended family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, boisterous joyful spirit, sense of humor and his goofiness. He was charismatic and befriended everyone he met. Everyone knew they were loved by Joe; every time he parted ways he would say "I love you." He always said: "you never know if it will be the last time you have the chance to say it."



He was preceded in death by his parents, Domenic and Connie Genova; brothers, Dominic and Chuck Genova. He is survived by his children Jake, Nick, and Audrie Genova; sisters, Maryanne and Theresa Genova; sister-in-law, Susan Genova (Chuck); numerous nieces and nephews; and granddaughter, Melodie (Jake); along with a huge extended family.



A Celebration of Life potluck for Joe is planned for Saturday, June 15th at Elm Street Park Pavilion, Arroyo Grande at 11am. His children request you bring a side salad or dessert and lots of stories to share in remembrance of Joe's life.