Geno Mario Andreatta
May 16, 1918-Sept. 12, 2013
Pleasanton, California

Geno Mario Andreatta passed away peacefully on Sept. 12, 2013 in his home in Pleasanton. He had recently celebrated his 95th birthday with close friends and family.

Geno was born on May 16, 1918 in Dunsmuir, California to Italian immigrants Maria and Giuseppe Andreatta. He was the youngest and last surviving of 9 children. During WWII, he served with the 41st Infantry Division, US Army, Pacific Campaign. While stationed in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, he spotted a beautiful local woman on the train to the beach. Geno always playfully insisted that it was a wink from Marjorie that sparked their romance. They married on March 7, 1944.

Geno had a long career as a die-setter working for Schlage Lock Co. in San Francisco and was active in the Machinists Union. After retiring, he continued to work as a security guard well into his eighties. He was an avid woodworker, and kept his family supplied with gadgets, whirlygigs, and frames for grandchildren's awards and Marjorie's craftwork.

As a longtime resident of Pleasanton, he was the iconic Man in his Chair of Northway Road: no passerby went without a cheerful greeting of "Howdy Doody!" and he always had treats for the four-legged friends. He supported lemonade stands and was a surrogate grandfather and watchdog in the neighborhood. He was well-loved by his neighbors, who remain kind, generous and faithful.

Geno was a member of the Jungleers, 41st Infantry Division Veterans Association. Geno and Marjorie were active members of the WWII War Brides Association. For the last several years, he faithfully cared for his wife of 69 years, recently visiting her daily at Pleasanton Nursing Home.

Geno is survived by his loving wife Marjorie; his 3 daughters, Janis Martinelli (Ed), Sandra Katona (Don), Judi Hinkson (Howard); his 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Also surviving Geno are his loving goddaughter (Spitfire) Jovan Trujillo, many nieces and nephews, and sweet and loyal Diane Mara, who is so much more than a caregiver to Geno, Marjorie and the entire family. Geno will be sorely missed by his family, friends and neighbors. He will be remembered for his quirky habits, feisty nature and his quiet generosity. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Geno's life on Saturday, October 5 at 2 p.m. Please contact his daughter Judi Hinkson for details. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to woundedwarriorproject.org, or any other organization that supports our Veterans.

Tags: veteran