Maranzana, Gene Leonard

January 28th, 1941-August 7th, 2025

“Hey Babe!” we are certain were dad’s first words to our late mom, Deborah (Quinn) Maranzana when he got to heaven in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 7th, 2025 at the age of 84. Of course, after greeting her with his famous line, he greeted everyone else the same way. If he knew you, he loved you and probably offered you a beer:)

Gene (Geno) Leonard Maranzana lived a life full of love. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, one of three children to the late Angelo and Margaret (Zeiss) Maranzana. Also preceded in death by his identical twin brother James Maranzana (his wife Darlene Mann & uncle to their daughter, Jill Hahn) & his sweet little sister Sharon (Chuck Maender & uncle to their sons, Christian and Corey Maender.)

After graduating from Mehlville High School in 1959, Uncle Jim enlisted them both in the Airforce, unbeknownst to dad.  Thankfully, it was non-war time and together they spent four years behind a desk in Salina, Kansas (where our Aunt Darlene kept them both in line!) When they returned to St. Louis, they worked at Falstaff for a bit before getting hired as brewers at Anheuser-Busch. This is where Gene met the love of his life, Debby, and they were married in 1972.  Together they built a beautiful life along with their two children, Matthew (M’Aggie) Maranzana & Holly (Rob) Meyer. Gene also made a ton of amazing lifelong friends at AB and retired in 2007 after 41 years of service. Gene & Debby enjoyed traveling, evenings out and spending time at their Lake condo with family & friends. Their favorite activity was doting on their eight grandchildren; Leo, Laine, Lillian Maranzana and Emma, Ella, Ava, Alex, Easton Meyer.

Not only was Gene very outgoing and social, he was one of the most generous guys to ever walk this earth. An extremely friendly, kind and charismatic “people person” of the Catholic faith, he had a gift for making others feel welcomed and valued. He was known for his inquisitive nature, contagious laugh and the occasional joke-sometimes with the punch line forgotten:) He loved washing cars, keeping his yard meticulous, taking the trash out and reading Consumer Reports for years before committing to a large purchase.  He was also a big fan of sailboats and hot air balloons but his motion sickness prevented him from riding in them. He enjoyed walking on the beach with Debby…often times for miles while not wearing sun screen because he “wanted to get some sun!”  He never wanted pets but secretly loved animals, nature and being around water. Italian cuisine was his preference and he could eat pasta with baskets of rolls followed up with chocolate ice cream every single day, if given the opportunity. He would listen to live music until the cows came home and loved talking to his friends, neighbors and anyone who would listen. “It’s good to be seen,” as he would say. Sharing his favorite Premier Protein drinks with anyone who worked on the house or yard was one of his favorite activities later in life:)

Gene’s family would like to say thank you with all our hearts to Dolan Memory Care Homes for all the love and support you have provided not only to him but also to us over the last nine months. You all have a very difficult and important job! We are thankful dad passed peacefully in the comfort of your care.

Our wonderful husband, father, papa, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, neighbor & godfather to many.  We will miss you so much Dad/Papa but know you are at peace in heaven with Momma/Nana 💚

“Don’t worry…about a thing…every little thing’s…gonna be alright” Three Little Birds,

Bob Marley

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Visitation at St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church, 11011 Mueller Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 Thursday, August 28th, 10am until funeral mass at 11am. Interment J.B. National Cemetery. A Service of Kutis Affton Chapel.