Eugene R. Balma

About

Balboa High School

Eugene Balma Obituary

Eugene R. Balma Eugene Balma was born in McCloud, CA, on May 10, 1915 and is at rest in Walnut Creek on Feb. 12, 2006. He was 90 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents Biagio and Margaret Balma and sisters Alma Chiotti and Rita Mossler. Beloved father to Michael Balma, Steven Balma, John Balma, Sue Gogol, Vicki Henry, and Robin Rhodes. Loving grandfather "Nonno" to nine grandchildren. Father-in-law to Laura Balma, Steve Gogol and David Henry. Beloved brother of Irene Mariani. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and companion Suzie Kubo. Gene was a long-time resident of SF and a member of the first graduating class of Balboa High School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army with the 32nd infantry in New Guinea. For over 30 years, he owned Gene's Tavern on Mission Street. He was famous, in the Excelsior District, for his roast beef sandwiches. He was a founding member of the Italian American Social Club. He was a member of numerous other clubs including the Elks Club, the Golden Gate Rod and Gun Club, and the Newman Duck Club. He was an avid hunter and always enjoyed playing cards with his friends. Gene was a great example of his generation that placed service above self and realized that the reward of labor came from what it gave to others. He is forever present in our hearts. At Gene's request, services will be held privately.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 16 to Feb. 19, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Balma

11 Entries

Kathy Doane

February 21, 2006

Mike & Famlies,

We are so sorry to hear about your dad. Our prayers, condolences, and thoughts are with you at this time. You all will be in our prayers.

Jesse, Lena, & Kathy Doane

John Damonte

February 20, 2006

On behalf of the SF Bay District Elks and the Sirs of Branch #1, we offer our sincere condolances to the Balma Family. May the perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace. Amen.

roger mariani

February 18, 2006

Uncle Gene ( my godfather ) I have so many great memories of you. From the wonderful times on vacation at Forest lake. Growing up with you at noni and nono's house parties watching you and the family play pedro, eat, and drink nono's home made wine. Going to the bar and helping make the sauce for the roast beef sandwiches.Listening to all the great stories you and my dad would talk about.I don't think i could have made it through my life without your help. You were always there for me every time i asked,you never questioned you just helped me with a smile and the famous phrase "hey boss how much you need".I love you very much and I know you touched many lives. You leave a great legacy to a wonderful family who are very proud to have a dad like you. your godson, Roger

Mark Mariani

February 18, 2006

Hey Boss!

You lived a great life filled with the love and respect of so many people. Nonnie and Nonno raised four wonderful children and now you get to see them again along with your two beautiful sisters Alma and Rita. You've helped so many people over the years and you will be greatly missed. You must be proud to have raised such wonderful children and I know you will watch over them. God bless you Uncle Gene and rest in peace.

Your nephew,

Mark

Rick Mariani

February 17, 2006

I am really going to miss my Uncle Gene. He meant so much to me throughout my life. These past few years were difficult for him and I was fortunate to have been able to spend time visiting with him. Even a few days before he let go he still had a sense of humor as he sat up and pretended he was dealing cards to myself and my mom. He smiled and then layed back on his pillow to rest. He was an amazing man and we were blessed with his presence for many wonderful years. I love you Gene and will miss you very much. I know that Nonnie and Nonno, Rita and Alma will enjoy having you in heaven for those family king pedro games. Thank you for being a fantastic uncle and a great friend.

Ron Renner

February 17, 2006

As a Young Man I became a Customer of Gene as his Bar on Mission St., and to this day I Miss His Roast Beef Sandwiches. I also played Pedro with Him at the Italian America Social Club, and considered him a Loyal Friend who will be missed.

BUD COLETTI

February 17, 2006

AS A MEMBER OF THE ITALIAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB WE WILL ALL MISS YOU

RON LACHINI,SR

February 17, 2006

WELL ..WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT UNCLE GENE.....THAT ALREADY HASN`T BEEN SAID OVER THE YRS......TO ME ...HE WAS AN UNCLE..NOT BLOOD ..BUT WHO CARES ..HE TREATED ME AS A NEPHEW ,SINCE I WAS A BABY...LOVED THE MAN...ALWAYS HAD A SMILE..MADE ME LAUGH//I MADE HIM LAUGH//WE WERE CLOSE IN MANY WAYS///THROUGH FAMILY//THE EXCELSIOR//THE IASC//I FOR ONE WILL MISS HIM..YOU COME TO EXPECT TO SEE SOMEONE// OR TALK TO SOMEONE EVERYDAY...THEN THE REALIZATION// ITS OVER //HITS YOU//TO ALL MY ADOPTED FAMILY..MY DEEPEST RESPECT AND LOVE TO YOU ALL///GOD BLESS YOU// GENE//

ALWAYS

RON LACHINI,SR

Fred Cesano

February 17, 2006

I'm writing on behalf of my Father Mike Cesano. He was born in Weed and I believe along with my Aunt Margaret (Marge) grew up with Gene in that beautiful area of Mt. Shasta. My Father is still doing well at 93 and I know he would want to attend any services but at his age it would be near impossible. My Mother Irene and us kids would take the Greyhound bus past Gene's bar many times and now and then we would get off and my Mother would drop in, say hi and come out with a sandwich or two for us kids. It was always a treat.

Please accept my condolences and best wishes to the Balma Family on behalf of my Father and late Mother..God bless you all.

John Hulsman, Jr

February 16, 2006

Rest in peace Mr. Balma. Your son, "Big Mike", has learned well and through his labor with the Heritage Festival is giving much to others.

George Paganucci

February 16, 2006

The memories of my youth are growing up in the Excelsior and coming of age to enjoy a roast beef sandwich and beer at Gene's. As an alumni of Balboa high school, I tip my hat to Gene, a true legend and old school gentleman. George S. Paganucci

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results