Gene Settle

Gene S. Settle was born on June 29, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Gertrude and Spaulding Settle. A lifelong Jersey City resident, Gene was one of the first African American students to matriculate at Public School #40. He later attended Lincoln High School and continued his education at Saint Peter's University.

Following in the giant footsteps of his father, Gene proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a submarine sailor stationed out of Groton, Connecticut. It takes a rare kind of strength, discipline, and courage to live and work for weeks at a time in the close quarters of a submarine, thousands of feet beneath the ocean-qualities Gene carried with him throughout his life.

During his military service, Gene married the love of his life, Carla Settle, a Saint Peter's University graduate and accomplished career manager with Chase and Provident Banks. The two first met while they were students at the university and went on to share 43 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless stories-many of which Gene delighted in telling.

Professionally, Gene worked in the vehicle industry and also played a role in setting up concerts for world-renowned performances at venues including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Symphony Hall, and the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. He also worked alongside his father, the owner of Bedford Distributing and one of Jersey City's first African American entrepreneurs. Together, they produced hair care products that were distributed throughout the United States.

Gene was known for his sharp sense of humor, his candid opinions on just about every subject, and a hearty, unforgettable laugh. He was a gifted storyteller-easily the equal of many great authors-and his most beloved tales almost always involved his wife, Carla.

One of nine children- Spaulding, Murray, Glen, Dennis, Kevin, Kenny, Marshall, Spaulda and Gene-he is survived by his devoted wife Carla; his beloved brother Glen; and his cherished dog, Angel. A sign displayed proudly in his Jersey City home reads, "Life isn't perfect, but my dog is." That sentiment captured Gene's appreciation for life's simple joys.

To his family, friends, and many nieces and nephews, Gene leaves this parting message: "Yeah man, don't worry about me-I'm gone to see my Creator." Gene's vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. And when we are fortunate enough to see him again, we can be sure there will be even more fun-filled stories waiting to be told.