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Eugene Gimelli Obituary
November 13, 1938 - June 17, 2020
Resident of San Jose
Eugene Angelo Gimelli Jr. passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 17th 2020. Gene or Gino, was born on November 13th 1938 to Eugene Angelo Gimelli Sr. and Jeanette Gimelli. The family lived on a 12-acre vineyard and ranch in the Evergreen Valley Hills of East San Jose, California in 1945. The Gimelli's owned a popular florist shop, Gimelli's Floral Artists located on Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose.
Gene graduated from James Lick High School in 1956 and immediately joined the United States Coast Guard for a four-year enlistment. He served in multiple locations such as Long Beach, California (1957), Juneau, Alaska (1958), and Alameda, California (1960). Gene was honorably discharged from active duty in 1960 and continued his Coast Guard career in the reserves for 16 more years before retiring as a YNCM/E9 Master Chief Petty Officer in 1976. In 1963, Gene began his sheriff's career at Elmwood Correctional Facility. He served 31+ yeas as a Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff and retired from service in 1993.
He met Janice Wallen (Valenti) and had their first date in 1982. They fell "madly" in love and wed at St. Christopher's Church in 1984. They had a large family celebration with Gene's son, Chris, and Jan's children, Debbie, Dana, and David. Gene also leaves behind his grandchildren Nathan, Mathew, Nicholas, Zachary, and Max. He was always at his happiest when family and friends were together.
Gene and Jan enjoyed traveling together and visited many destinations throughout Europe and the United States. Gene was also an active member in several Italian social clubs, most notably the Peninsula Italian American Social Club, the Society of Italian Americans, the Italian Civic Club of San Jose, the Amici Club, and the IAHF Club.
The family will be hosting a private invite only service in honor of Gene due to Covid-19 restrictions.
View the online memorial for Eugene (Gene) Angelo Gimelli Jr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Gimelli
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Richard Gimelli
July 21, 2020
He was the cousin I always looked up to and admired. The Big Brother I never had. We all miss him and his huge smile. Richard Gimelli
Justin, Katie and Madeleine Martin
July 7, 2020
We are so glad that you came to the 2016 family reunion in Santa Cruz where we shared a great day Italian family style! Gene was wonderful to us. Im proud to be his relative. Our hearts go out to you all. Jan, Chris and Joanne - hope to see you again where we can reminisce and keep in touch. Love and Gods peace to you all.
Ponte Joseph
July 6, 2020
Such sad news about Gene passing. We have known Gene for manny years. Gene was a warm and a fun person. Gloria and I went on a couple cruises with Gene and Jan. . Rest in peace, Gene and blessings and love to Jan.
Greg Pluck
July 2, 2020
Rest well in Heaven MasterChief Gimelli and God Speed. I had the pleasure of meeting you and Jan by way of my colleague Dana.
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Michele Vaughn
June 29, 2020
ending my sympathy and prayer to Jan & the entire family. I know how much he loved his family and he was such a great man to work with. Rest in peace my friend. Michele & David
Joyce Rhodes
June 28, 2020
I send my prayers of sympathy to Jan and the entire family. I saw how loving and devoted he was to Jan and the family and I will always treasure him for that. Rest in peace. Joyce Rhodes
Joe
June 27, 2020
Paulette and I are deeply saddened by Gene's passing. He was a good friend and fellow men's club member. May he rest in peace.
Joe
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