William "Geno" Gainey

1936 - 2025

William "Geno" Gainey

May 22, 1936 - April 17, 2025

William "Geno" Gainey, 88, On April 17, 2025 his big heart just stopped beating, surrounded by friends and family.

Per his wishes Geno was cremated and a Celebration of Life Reception will be held in his honor at the Riverfront Grille in Rock Island from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 23, 2025. A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Matherville, on May 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. His final resting place will be at the Viola Cemetery, Mercer County, Ill.

Geno was the baby of his family born on May 22, 1936, in Colona Township, Ill. to Guy and Martha Miller Gainey. He grew up in Orion, Ill. and graduated from Orion High School where he played football, basketball and track. Geno was a member of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Matherville. Geno married Loretta Hurdel in 1955 and had two sons, Kent and Keith. They later divorced and he married Jean in July 1972 where he gained four additional children, Debbie, Terry, Ricky, and Michael.

Geno was a busy man. Never wanted to sit still. He continued to drive a truck well into his 70's Geno was an over the road driver for John Deere Parts Express, where he retired from. He was always up for a beer and spending time with his family and friends. Together Geno and Jean owned Geno's Tap in Matherville and the Milkhouse in Viola for several years. They had spent 17 years wintering in Yuma, Ariz. and were full time residents the past eight years. In his younger years Geno was well known for racing at East Moline Speedway where he was the 1968 Figure 8 track champion. Geno enjoyed watching all forms of racing and cheering on two of his grandsons' racing teams, he also enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears, and the Fighting Illini.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; sons, Kent (Ginger) Gainey of Colorado, Keith "Boo Boo" (Pam) Gainey of North Carolina, Terry (Gary) Thompson of Viola, Michael (Cheyenne) Gainey of Davenport; 21 grandkids and 31 great-grandkids; sister in-law, Nancy Gainey; and several nieces and nephews; and his beloved four legged best friend, Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ricky Bruce, Debbie Fowler; his three brothers, Mervin "Barney", Darrell "Diz", Thomas "Gus"; his sisters, Loretta "Punkie" Hallquist and Evelyn "Hez" Nichols.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Davied Kenyon and Diane Boots for their kindness and compassion they provided Geno.

Cremation was directed by Reyes & Dombrowski Funeral Home & Arizona Crematory.