Obituary: Gennaro Michael Germe, 81, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Homes:

Gennaro Michael Germe, 81, resident of East Haven, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to Rose (Bava) Germe. Gennaro was born on September 21, 1940, to the late Charles and Carmelina (Gaudioso) Germe, and grew up on Wallace Street in New Haven with his brother, the late Charles Germe.

Gennaro graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and attended Southern Connecticut State University for his bachelor’s, master’s, and 6th Year Certificate to teach health and physical education. Always passionate about sports, he played basketball and football from high school to college, and coached several championship teams in both sports throughout his career as a teacher. He fostered the same love of athletics in his grandchildren, and took joy in both teaching and watching them play.

His greatest passion, however, was his family. Rose and Gennaro had three daughters, Elaine, wife of Dr. James Pucci, Dianne, wife of Brian Donohue, and Michelle, wife of Andrew Koss. Additionally, he is cherished by seven grandchildren, Jenaira Spezio, wife of Mark Spezio, Bruce Donohue, husband to Samantha Donohue, Sarah-Jane Pucci, fiancee to Kevin Bucknall, Midge Donohue, fiancee to Dylan Morris, Jimmy Pucci, Brian Donohue, fiancee to Nikki Hammer, and Aidan Donohue. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and their stories of Uncle G.

Finally, Gennaro will be missed by his three great-grandchildren, Jay Bruce Spezio, Andrew Gennaro Spezio, and Elliott Michael Donohue; spoiling them with chocolate, coaching them through Little Tikes basketball, and egging on their mischief was one of his greatest joys.

After retiring, he enjoyed spending time at Alling Memorial Golf Course in New Haven with his friends and grandson Bruce, shared summers in Rhode Island with Charlie, his wife Christine and both their families, and was fulfilled by Sunday dinners, Muniemaker cigars, and the meaningful little things that he taught us make a good life.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte 80) East Haven Thursday morning at 10:30. A Liturgy of the Word Funeral Service will be held in the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call WEDNESDAY from 4:00-8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514.