Edi Geno Pacini's Obituary
Edi Geno Pacini, 84, died May 11, 2012. Geno was born April 29, 1928 in the tiny village of Valdottavo, Lucca, in northern Italy where he grew up living a simple life with simple pleasures. In 1952, Geno emigrated to the United States after marrying the love of his life, Vera Raffanti, in a storybook wedding in his Italian hometown. He continued to live a simple life that revolved around family, work and his Catholic religion. A visit to this quaint town with one main street nestled between two mountains helps to define this wonderful man. Geno was successful in achieving the American dream for his family, working first as a butcher, then purchasing a grocery with partner Pete Andreoli , and finally owning and operating the Spirits Shoppe where he was known by many for his sweet disposition and happy exchanges. Geno loved his work because he loved people and enjoyed talking with everyone who visited the store. Twelve hour working days were the norm and his only regret was not being able to be with his family. Honesty and benevolence were Geno’s primary trade items and people loved him for these traits. Geno lived a generous life and was known for his happy nature. He supported not only many charities and churches but also helped individuals in need with anything from a few dollars to warm clothes. For many years, he employed a legally blind yard person simply to ensure the man kept his pride, sense of worth and a stable living situation. More than two dozen charities routinely came to Geno for free goods to support fund raising events. In 2010, he was a Commercial Appeal Jefferson Award finalist for his volunteer work at Ave Maria Nursing Home. Other awards included the 2008 UNICO Italian-American Award, and the 2010 Memphis Italian Festival Italian of the Year award where he delivered his acceptance speech in Italian. Family was the source of Geno’s strength and he bestowed his love and care on every relative, even those still living in Italy. He loved to gather with his family and friends, enjoying meals and lively conversation. He cared daily for Vera during her seven years of dementia and was at her side when she died in 2008. After Vera’s death, he began a second career as a volunteer at Ave Maria where he filled the halls with his joy and beautiful Italian accent. Geno was a long time parishioner of St. Anne Highland Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and UNICO Italian-American Society. He was one of the first members of Bella Vista Country Club. He was preceded in death by his wife Vera and son Michael. He leaves his daughters Gina Warr (Mike) and Felicia Bursi (Ricky), daughter-in-law Cecily Pacini, and grandchildren Derek Warr, Mark Pacini, Natalie Bursi, Ellen Bursi, and Peter Bursi, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves a brother and two sisters still living in northern Italy. The family is very grateful to the Ave Maria At-Home staff for their loving and attentive care and support during his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ave Maria Nursing Home or St. Anne Highland Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm, Monday, May 14, 2012 with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at St. Anne Catholic Church on Highland. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”. Location: Memorial Park Cemetery Section: Woodridge Arrow Color: White
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