Obituary of Antonino Gennaro

Antonino Gennaro, affectionately known as “Nino”, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning at his home, surrounded by members of his loving family. Nino was born in Augusta, Sicily. He was the oldest of six siblings of Paolo Nicola Stefano and Carmela Elena Gennaro. Nino immigrated with his family to Monterey in 1955, after which he was conscripted into the US Army in 1957. Nino was sent overseas to serve in the First Battalion, 19th Infantry at the US military base in Augsburg, Germany. While in Germany, he met the love of his life, Anna Maria, in a dance hall – they continued to dance together for the remainder of their years together. In 1960, Anna Maria left Germany to join him and were married at San Carlos Cathedral where they celebrated 56 beautiful years of marriage and raised four beautiful children. As a brick mason that began in Sicily with his father at the age of nine, he would continue to what would become his lifelong work of over 60 years in the masonry trade. As a mason, his specialties were in stone and brickwork, which were sought out by many here in the Monterey County area because of his meticulous detail and beautiful craftsmanship. He was also very active and involved with Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local No. 16 where he served several terms as president. A man of many talents, Nino’s passions included singing, dancing, soccer, cooking, and fishing which he enjoyed full time upon his retirement. Always a story and joke teller, his presence and infectious smile lit up a room. When asked what was his greatest accomplishment in his life, Nino would always respond, without hesitation, that it was the legacy he will leave behind – his children and grandchildren. Nino is survived by his loving wife, Anna Maria, and their four children and spouses: Paolo Nicola Gennaro (Barbara), Roberto Gennaro, Carmela Wong (Steve), and Giuseppe Gennaro (Geraldine) and his five grandchildren: Antonio Giuseppe Gennaro, Michael Carlos Gennaro, Nicholas Anthony Wong, Roberto Julian Gennaro, and Isabella Mia Gennaro. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paolo and Carmela Gennaro. He is survived by his brothers, Giuseppe of Salinas and Emilio of Augusta, Sicily, his sisters, Pinuccia, Rita, and Concetta of Augusta, Sicily, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces in California, Connecticut, and Sicily, Italy. Service Information