Obituary of Gene A. Lanza

Gene Anthony Lanza passed away peacefully at his home in Croton-on-Hudson on October 15, 2021 at the age of 83. He was born on March 28, 1938 to Antonio and Marie (Mary) Lanza in Bronx, NY. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Josephine Calise. Gene is survived by his brother, Michael Lanza of Barnegat, NJ; his long-time companion, Susan Lombardi of Croton, NY; his wife, Rosemarie Burns Lanza of Yonkers; his three sons, Gene A. Lanza, Jr and his wife, Tamara Lanza of Cross River, NY; Joseph R. Lanza of Waterford, CT and Michael J. Lanza of Myrtle Beach, SC. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Travis, Renee, Alexander, Matthew, Jack and Mary Beth.

The son of an immigrant father and first generation mother, Gene was one of the first Italian-American students to enter Fordham Preparatory School in Bronx, NY in 1951 and highly- valued his experience there. He went on to attend Fordham University and was the first person in his family to attend college. He graduated from there with a B.S in 1959.

Having worked throughout his youth in his father's Bronx butcher shop, he was well prepared to enter the meat business at age of 21. He worked for Swift & Company, immediately excelling in the sales side of the business, while continuing to help out at his father's butcher shop. A customer there recognized his sales skills and recruited him into what would become his career for the next fifty years. Gene pioneered State Farm agency in New York for the company, which was new to the state when Gene joined and had just started marketing life insurance. He embraced his role as a top sales producer, providing guidance to legions of customers who remained loyal to him throughout his career. He was inducted early on into the company's most prestigious honor, "The President's Club" and went on to qualify for multiple awards and honors throughout the years. He treasured his experiences on State Farm sales award trips all over the world, which he enjoyed with his family and colleagues, many of whom became cherished life-long friends. He enjoyed mentoring his employees, as well as other State Farm agents and was especially proud to have recruited his sons, Michael and Gene and daughter- in -law, Tamara into the business. He retired after 53 years in 2016. His retirement was celebrated at a festive party, where he was affectionately conferred status as State Farm "legend" by his colleagues.

Gene served in the New York Army National Guard from 1956 – 1964, starting with the 101st Armored Cavalry and ending with the 101st Signal Battalion. Gene credited this experience with the discipline and leadership skills that served him for the rest of his life.

During his three sons' youth, Gene developed Cub Scout Pack 5 and co -founded Boy Scout Troop 338 at the St. Bartholomew Parish in Yonkers, NY. He served as the Director of Properties for the NY Westchester-Putnam Council for several years. Gene earned the Boy Scouts of America's highest achievements, the Silver Beaver and Baden Powell Awards for his outstanding leadership and service to Scouting.

Gene treasured his family's 50+ years of ownership of their home on Cedar Island in Clinton, CT. He often reminisced about his inexperience with all things nautical, as a kid from the Bronx with a fear of water, but over many years, acquired his sea legs, not to mention a respect and deep love of the water and of his little paradise on the Sound. He was delighted to have provided his children with such a rich experience over many summers that led to his son Joseph's oceanographic studies and eventual career with the U.S. Navy, of which Gene was extremely proud. Grand-daughter Renee's career in water treatment was also inspired by her time at Cedar Island.

Gene would want all he knew him to remember that "the power of loving your life is far stronger than fear of death" - Anonymous

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Lanza Family Scholarship at Fordham Prep, 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458,  (718) 367-7500