John P. Gener

JJ was a true friend and a proud member of San Diego's Finest. Work hard and play hard, JJ's watch words.
To the entire Gener family Maryann, Michael and Brian. My deepest sympathies.
In my Irish traditions I shall not mourn his passing. Rather I raise a glass in cheer and celebrate the vibrant life that was the JJ I knew and loved as a world class gentleman. R. I. P. in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help keep the peace there in Heaven where we will meet again.
Slainte'

John was my brother in-law. I wish I would have spent more time with him over the years. But the few times I did, we didn't miss a beat. He was a brother in-law anyone would have cherished. He was a man of honor. He always greeted me with "Hey Tommy my main man" I love ya Jack. Tommy

I feel so privileged to have known, and learned so much from JJ. He taught me how to do my job, and he was so positive and always full of compliments. John was tough as nails, and as gentle as anyone I ever met. I keep hearing a phantom Nextel beeping and saying, "Hey Bubba....you up?" Now I'm in Chicago inspired by JJ's legacy here and in San Diego. John Gener was The Real Police! Everyone he loved knew he loved them, and he reaped great rewards from that approach to life. I'm glad you don't have to suffer anymore, and I'm grateful for a guardian angel. My sincere condolences go out to MaryAnn, Bryan, and Michael. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

JJ was an inspiration to us at work! I want to give my personal condolences to The Gener Family. He will truly be missed!

My condolences to the Gener family and John's family of friends. I am truly saddened by your loss. I work at the Federal Courthouse where John was a CSO. He was such a wonderful and thoughtful man who greeted us with a smile and his humor, each day. Being from the Chicago area, we often spoke of the city, the Cubs and of course, "Da Bears". John's sense of humor and goodwill will be greatly missed and he will be fondly remembered as our "Mr. Chicago". May God bless and keep you; RIP John.

From Donny: We never did get to open up our rib shack..."Shrimp as big as your fist! Ribs as long as your arm! Where?....at JJ and Donny's BBQ. P.S., if you are white, come on down!" From Vickie: JJ and Donny would say this over and over again, and just laugh until tears were rolling down their cheeks. Their laughter caused everyone else around to laugh and all of our kids would think it was such a strange thing to say cuz it didn't make any sense. However, that is the first thing my daughters think of when they think of JJ. At our wedding (which is also JJ and Mary Ann's anniversary) when my daughter could not find her "speech" she had worked so hard on, and was so upset, it was JJ that gave her the confidence to quickly rewrite it and she did awesome. You always said you and Donny "married up and Mary Ann and I married down"....NOT A CHANCE:)
Soooooooo many wonderful, happy, and goofy memories of you JJ! You treated everyone the same, with warmth, love, and respect. We miss you so...ever since your ALS started really taking over. There is only one JJ, and what a legend you are! We love you and your family! R.I.P. brother!

Mike, Bryan & MaryAnn, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Our prayer is that through the grief process you can get strength by how much John was loved and respected by SO many people. He will always be with you and watching over you from Heaven until you meet again....

Mary Ann and sons,

My prayers have been and will continue to be with you during this difficult time. My deepest condolences go out to you and the entire Gener family for your loss.

Kathy Motisi

Mimi, Bryan, & Michael,
Our thoughts, prayers & love are with you all. Knowing Uncle Jack is at peace & knowing you have a special guardian angel watching over you, we hope is some kind of comfort.
Lani, Ted ,Joe, & Payton

What a man ! When a police officer called for cover & John showed up, you knew you were in good hands. A great friend, coper-bowl stud and cop. Great memories for ever. Will have a beer in your honor.

I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I have known John and the Gener family since I was a kid growing up in Roseland. I always respected John and looked up to him. He was a true friend to me as well as a true friend to many others. I remember him telling me if you ever need help let me know. “I'll be there”. John had a big heart and genuinely cared about you. I will miss him very much. However, his love for life and people will inspire me until I leave planet earth. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Tommy and Jenny Pesavento

Thinking of the family in this time of loss! John was indeed a unique wonderful friend. I'm a better person from knowing him. Will always cherish his friendship, and our misadventures. With Utmost Respect, Mike Muir

Dear General family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. It is of great relief to know God promises us that soon there will be no more suffering or death.

John's Family-I grew up with your Dad from middle grammar school and forward on the playgrounds, alleys, front porches and local parks of our South-Side neighborhood, Roseland. John and I attended Mendel together and I had the pleasure and thrill of watching and cheering him on in football. Years later in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where I now live, I ran into ex-Bear and U of I player, Revie Sorie. When I told Revie I went to Mendel, he immediately asked me if I knew your Dad. Then with a big smile he told me several U of I John Gener stories and said your Dad was one of the best guys and players he ever met. Your Dad and I did re-aquaint several years ago through Facebook and had a great phone conversation, all of 90 minutes. It was like we were still growing up. I regret not seeing him at the Federal Court house in San Diego where I've had several cases in recent years (but that was before I knew he worked there). I am very glad we got to visit last Fall at the Mendel Hall of Fame. Not only did Mendel guys come out, but Bruce Basile and Bobby Poole from the old block were there to. Despite your Dad's tough shape, we all had a very happy reunion! May sharing these happy memories give you comfort. My prayers go out to you and John. Peace and take care, Jim Ozog

Jack you were the "Greatest" brother anyone could have. I miss you so much. What are we going to do without you? Your laughter and spirt made our lives so wonderful.

Love You Always Bro,
Chris Pesavento

Gener Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. John came into my life and my son Jake's life in typical John fashion. He gave my son a Chicago Bear hat that he still has. I didn't know John but Jake said "look Dad a Bear Fan". John and I talked via e-mail and I learned about what a great man, husband and father he was. What a great life he led. He would always ask how Jake was doing in sports and making sure Jake was doing his school work as well. He'll be missed by all, but never forgotten. Oh what life he lived!!!

Pat Kelly

To the family and friends,

I did not know John very well, but the chats we had, were always pleasant.

All his friends at our local place, will miss him, but he will remain in spirit.

To my brother,
I know we had a lot of one on one time in the snake pits. You have my respect as a player and a very close friend. I enjoyed you to the max and I'll never forget you. I love you, rest in peace.

Your brother,
The Wege

RIP Monarch Brother. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

John and his family are in the Gainer family prayers, Respectfully, Terry Gainer Class of 1965 and fellow cop.

RIP fellow Mendel Monarch from class 1970 and fellow Law Enforcement Officer. You were a hero on and off the field.

I was very lucky to be able to call John a friend and teammate. I played football with John in high school and in college at the University of New Mexico. John not only made me a better ball player. But most of all a better person. And for that I will never forget my fallen brother. John will always be in my heart and in my prays. Love you my brother.

Michael (Kub) Kubowicz

If there is life after death (and I sure hope there is) I can guarantee that JJ is surrounded by friends, laughing along with his many stories. Rest in peace my friend. It was an honor to work with you.

If there is life after death (and I sure hope there is) I guarantee that JJ is surrounded by friends listening and laughing to his many stories. Rest in peace my friend. It was an honor to work with you.

I will always have fond memories of John from
his work as CSO in Federal Court. He was
always there to help anyone and was very
passionate about his work. He will be
missed by many in the federal court family.
Judy English/former secretary to Hon.
Rudi M. Brewster.

I had the pleasure of selecting JJ for Special Investigations. There were many candidates and he shined as the cream of the crop. His work ethic was an example to others. He will be sorely missed but I hope his family realizes that he received the highest praise possible from his peer group with the simple statement "he's a good cop."