Resident of San Rafael

After years of struggle with dementia, Gene passed peacefully at home on Monday, July 24, with love all around.

Born to Vincent and Flora Di Basilio in Eureka California on October 4, 1932, his earliest memories were of his days in Rio Dell where he lived with his mother, father, and paternal grandparents. An only child, he had the good company of his beloved cousin, Don Di Basilio, and thought of him as the brother he didn’t have. The memories of his grandfather plucking a carrot from the garden, wiping it on his overalls and handing it to his grandson are vivid as well as the sight of his grandmother fetching a chicken from the back yard for the pot on the stove.

Still a young boy, the family moved to North Beach in San Francisco where Gene found his way through Saints Peter and Paul Church where he served as an altar boy, and Galileo High School. The Salesian Boys Club was a centerpiece of his early growing years, and he has been a supporter of their work his entire life. In 2010 he was honored as the Salesian Old Timer of the Year. He knew hard work from his youngest years, helping his father and uncle in their grocery store, and working in the produce mart. He attended San Francisco State for a period of time before entering the Army.

In 1953 he married Claudine Woeber, who bore him his beloved daughters, Dana and Donna. In the mid-fifties, he took a fortuitous leap, leaving San Francisco for Marin County where he lived for the remainder of his life and where his career path took many interesting turns. He was a milkman for Lucas Valley Dairy, and later owned his own dairy delivery business. While living in Woodacre, he served as a Trustee on the Lagunitas School Board, and served as President of the San Geronimo Valley Lions Club from 1968-69. He then worked for SCM Corporation as their top salesperson in 1967-1969.

Following his stint as a real estate agent in the City, he entered the residential lending business, realizing many successful years at Homestead Savings and Loan where he was Regional Vice President and branch manager in San Rafael. The title insurance business was his next undertaking, working as Executive Vice President in business development at Pacific Coast Title Company. From there he and partners purchased California Land Title Company of Marin in 1981. Together they built the building at 700 Irwin Street in San Rafael that housed their main offices, and the business flourished for decades. As President of the company, Gene retired in 2006. A punctual man, he often said, “If you’re on time, you’re late.”

In 1977 he married Mari Jon Short after 6 years of wonderful romance. Their lives have been filled with adventures into real estate, travel, golf, fine food, and fun. Gene had a love for the kitchen, the heart of their home, and blessed his grateful wife, family and friends with his artful Italian dishes. He loved a good time and together they opened their home to many wonderful gatherings. Until dementia stalled his appetite for all the fine foods of his past, he often carried a bottle of Tabasco in his vest pocket in case offered food wasn’t spicy enough. He was one of a kind, handsome, with a ready smile, love of family and his Italian heritage, and a delicious sense of humor. He is also remembered for his natty attire.

He loved the game of golf, the camaraderie, the friendly competition, and was grateful for many years of play with good pals. For some time, he and Mari Jon enjoyed their second home and play at Silverado, and also enjoyed membership at Marin CC. He served on the board of Marin Mediation Services, was one of the founders of the Cristoforo Columbo Club of Marin, and enjoyed some years as a member of Il Cenacolo Italian Cultural Club. He was a member of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. Cars, smart exquisite, were another passion, always polished by his own hand. He loved the 49ers, the Giants, and the Warriors.

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Mari Jon, his daughter, Dana Tognini (Steve); daughter Donna Di Basilio (Monti Zanetti); granddaughter Geena Tognini, his cousin Don Di Basilio, cousins, nephews, valued friends, his dog, Luna, and 19 year old cat, TC. Many beloved friends and family pets have preceded his passing but are not forgotten. So important in his final months, our dear friend, Arminda Albeno, has been a force of love and wisdom, as well as his companion on many rides throughout our beautiful Marin landscape. He wanted and needed “to go for a ride.” We, his family, are eternally indebted to her. She guided us all through his final hours.

Those of us who knew and loved him will always recall his generosity of spirit, his humor and his inimitable charm. He loved life, he loved people. His light will continue to shine in our memories as it did throughout his wonderful life. Of her 50 plus years with the love of her life, his wife, Mari Jon, says, “I am the luckiest woman in the world; I love and have been so well loved.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Salesian Boys and Girls Club or a favorite animal protection charity.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.