Eugene “Geno” Sessa, 74, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012, surrounded by his darling daughters. Gene was born in Racine on December 5, 1938, the son of the late Nunzio and Carmella (nee: Maschio) Sessa.
Gene worked for the railroad, the Mt. Pleasant Sewer Dept. and finally the Mt. Pleasant Fire Dept. He was on the first full-time crew hired by the fire department. Gene rose up the ranks of the department including Inspector and retiring in 1988 as Assistant Chief.
On April 25, 1959, in St. John Nepomuk Church, he married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandie” Potthoff. Gene was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church, where he was the volunteer “Papa” in the school cafeteria and a proud 25 year member Roma Lodge, where he volunteered at Italian Fest and caller at Thursday Night Bingo; “N 35 Oh-Oh”. He enjoyed going to casinos, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Gene was known for his sense of humor. Once you met Gene; you were never a stranger again. He was everyone’s best friend.
Surviving are his children, Tamra (Fred) Radspinner, of Racine, Eugene G. Sessa, of Cape Coral, FL, Theresa (Jim) Bishop, and Dianna (Scott) Taleck, all of Racine; he was Papa to, Stephanie Bishop, Kristy (Brian) Gaudio, Jimmy Bishop, Sammi Taleck, and Megan Taleck; a great grandson soon to be born; nieces; nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Gene was preceded in death by his sister Caroline “Dolly” Sarto and his in-laws, Henry and LaVerne Potthoff.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Richard Catholic Church, 15th and Grand Ave. on Saturday, January 5th, at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. Ronald J. Gramza officiating. Visitation will be in ST. RICHARD CHURCH, on Friday, January 4th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and in the Church on Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials be given to Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Richard’s, or the girls softball and volleyball programs at Lutheran High School.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Wheaton-
Franciscan-All Saints Hospital, and the Compassionate Care Hospice,
for the care and concern shown Gene and his family.
Deb Vasy-Johnson says
Tammy, Terri, Diane and families,
My sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your dad. This has been a sad year for all of us, now him and Louie are up there with their other Mt. Pleasant buddies causing all kinds of ruckus I’m sure.
You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Love Deb
Sandy Sorensen says
Dear Terri and family, So sorry to see the passing of your Father. Al and I send you are love and prayers. Al & SAndy Sorensen
Joyce Borglin-Malko says
Dear Tammy,Terri,Diana,Gene and families, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father Geno. I have so many fond memories of him at the fire dept., picnic and the Kraut festivel. He was always there for my dad even at the end he served as pall bearer. May you find peace as God carries you through the coming days, months and years. He has a special place in heaven with Sandy and all the firemen before him. Thanks for the memories Sessa! with love and sympathy Dan, Joyce and Cassi Malko