Eugene Devencenzi

Eugene “Gino” Devencenzi passed away peacefully in Saratoga, CA on the morning of September 7th. He was 95 years of age. Gino was born in San Francisco to Tony and Sylvia Devencenzi (Demattei), whose families arrived in San Francisco in 1880. As a youth and during his days at Commerce High School he helped out at his parent’s restaurant, the historic 4 Mile House. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served his country as World War II came to its end.

After being discharged, he came back to San Francisco and two milestones in his life occurred. He married his sweetheart, Barbara Jean Grant in 1947, and shortly after that he established California Home Furnishings with his partner Ernie Legnitto. Both ventures proved very successful! He and Barbara (Bobbie) raised 3 sons and were married for almost 54 years, until she passed away in 2001. Gino operated California Home Furnishings on Union Street for 40 years with clients throughout San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area.

An avid golfer, Gino was a member of Green Hills Country Club in Millbrae for more than 50 years and served on the Board of Directors. Highlights of his golfing career include 4 hole in ones, playing in a Father/Son tournament in Ireland with all of his sons, and endless rounds of golf with his good friends such as Jerry Boitano and Joe Greenbach. Word has it that there were a few wagers on those matches.

After Bobbie passed away, he was most fortunate to meet a wonderful woman, Joanne Scott, with whom he spent the rest of his life. They enjoyed traveling the world, including many cruises, attending social events with their friends in San Francisco and on The Peninsula, and spending time with both his and her families. We are especially grateful for the friendship and support Joanne showed him over the last few years of his declining health.

Gino is survived by his sons Steve (Jayne), Mark (Marie), and Tony (Cathy), as well as Grandchildren Angela (Dylan) Meikle, Tony (Suzie) Devencenzi, Molly Kiely, Phil Devencenzi, Paul Devencenzi (Anna), Gina Devencenzi and her mother Heather Devencenzi, and Lucas Kiely. His Greatgrandaughters Lucy and Maddie Meikle live in Singapore with their parents.

Services for Eugene will be held at St. Pius Catholic Church in Redwood City on Wednesday, September 14th, at 11AM. The services will also be live streamed at Pius.org/stream. A celebration luncheon will be held directly after the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities Children and Youth Services San Mateo County.