Gene J. Santucci, Early Heart Transplant Recipient, Dies At 69

Courtesy of Riggs Funeral Home:

Gene J. Santucci, loving husband and father of five children, died Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the age of 69.

Gene was a longtime resident of Forked River, NJ. He was a retired newspaper editor for the Asbury Park Press and a teacher of math and science at Veterans Memorial Middle School in Brick, NJ.

In January 1987, Gene was one of the earliest recipients of a heart transplant, a gift that extended his life 28 years. His new lease on life afforded him the opportunity to see his children grow up, marry and raise families of their own. He enjoyed days spent with his wife, children and nine grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his wife Judy, a marriage of 46 years this June 14, his brother Joe (June), daughters Theresa (John) and Dianne, sons Joe and Michael (Theresa), and his grandchildren Erin, Ryan, Meghan, Grace, Julia, Sarah, Timmy, Amber and Nicholas. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy J. in 2003.

A viewing will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Riggs Funeral Home, 130 Route 9 North, Forked River, NJ 08731. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 15 at St. Pius X Church, Lacey Road., Forked River. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Sea Girt, NJ.