Gene James Germani, Jr., 79 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
Born December 2, 1943 in Monroe, Gene was the son of the late Gene James and Juanita Helen (Jones) Germani, Sr. Gene attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Monroe Public Schools. He was a 1962 graduate of Monroe High School. Gene went on to attend Ferris State University where he received his degree in marketing. He served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army.
On May 24, 1996 Gene married his beloved wife, the former Sharon Lee Collins, at the Alpha and Omega Church in Monroe.
Gene learned to play the saxophone in the 4th grade and continued to play throughout high school and college. While at Ferris State he played in both the marching and the symphonic bands. He was also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity and the Ferris Bands Honor Society.
Gene was employed by Daimler Chrysler's Trenton Engine Plant until his medical retirement in 2005. After retirement he kept himself busy by working on personal family projects. Gene also wrote a book, "God is Not a Member of Your Church", which he considered to be his most important contribution in life.
Gene was a member of the Alpha and Omega Church until the church relocated outside of Monroe. Gene enjoyed water skiing, especially when the waters were rough on Lake Erie. Gene was also a serious jogger until his illness, after which he slowed to a walk and eventually, due to his illness, was confined to a wheelchair.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Sharon, his loving daughter, Brandie G. (LaRome) Langston of Monroe, and two cherished granddaughters: Mari and Naomi Small.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023 from 11:00 am at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd, Monroe, Michigan, 48161, where funeral services celebrating Gene's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe, where the VFW Post #1138 will conduct military honors.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .