Geno A. Fermo

Obituary Geno A. Fermo, our beloved patriarch, passed on to join his wife, parents, and family on January 15, 2007 at the age of 97. He was born in Tacoma to Antonio and Donata Fermo on July 19, 1909. He was the second son in a close-knit family of eight children, raised in the Italian Community surrounding St. Rita's Catholic Church. Geno was always a hard worker, employed in a variety of jobs, such as a welder, and construction worker. He and his brother owned their own shoe repair shop for a number of years in downtown Tacoma. He retired from the post office in 1974, winning awards there for his ability and service. He married the love of his life, Frances on Oct. 3, 1938 and lived in Tacoma with her until her death in 1987. Geno served honorably in the army during WWII. He enjoyed gardening, going to the beach, and spending time at the casino. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He loved being surrounded with brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a special devotion to the Franciscan and Benedictine sisters, saying often how he admired their dedication to God. Geno was a devout Catholic member of Holy Rosary Parish and lately, St. John Bosco. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, three brothers and one sister. Survivors include one brother, Daniel (Dorothy), two sisters, Rose Baker, and sister Antoinette, OSF, two children, Gene Fermo (Violet), Teresa Woolery (Brian), five grandchildren, Michael and Steven (Ruth) Fermo, Brian (Tawni) Matthew, Rachel (Perry) Woolery, five great-grandchildren, Christian, Jacob, Adam, Alyssa and Eugenio, and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Special thanks to the staff at Allenmore Hospital and Franciscan Hospice for their loving care. Memorials may be made in his memory to the Sisters of St. Francis at St. Ann's Home or Holy Rosary School. Rosary will be held Friday Jan. 19, 2007, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Church.