Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service
http://www.hankinsandwhittington.com
Don Genova, 90, of Osterville, MA, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.Fred Donald Genova was born on January 28, 1934 to Anne and Fred Genova, and was raised in Beverly, MA. He graduated from Beverly High School in 1952. In his high school yearbook, Don was described as "The kind of boy schools boast about." He went on to study at Tufts University where he majored in Mechanical Engineering and ran on the cross country team. A member of Tuft's ROTC program, Don went on to serve in the U.S. Navy after graduation.
Don married his beloved Adrienne on April 25, 1959. The couple moved from Massachusetts to Virginia in 1965, where they raised their three children, Lisa, Kendra, and David. In Virginia, Don worked in the private sector providing advisory services to defense contractors until being recruited to the General Services Administration to lead one of its largest divisions. Throughout his career, Don remained in the Navy Reserve where he earned the rank of Captain. Each year, the family spent summers on Cape Cod, where Adrienne and Don ultimately retired.
Don lived a life of service; service to his country, service to his friends, and service to his family. He was deeply devoted to Adrienne until her death in 2020; their 61 years of marriage being one of his proudest accomplishments. Among other accomplishments, Don, warmly known as "Pop Pop", would list his family. Don was an ardent supporter of his children and grandchildren and frequently shared the pride he felt for all of them. He believed deeply in the power of education and encouraged all of his family members to excel, remarking, "To whom much is given, much is expected."
Don was a fervent Boston Red Sox fan, an avid car enthusiast, a competitive bridge player, a voracious reader and a steadfast Cape Codder. Throughout his life, Don embodied humility and hardwork and always treated others with consideration and kindness. A devoted father, a doting grandfather, and a loyal friend until the very end, Don will be remembered as a good man.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Adrienne. He is survived by his three children, Lisa Anne Genova of New York, NY; Kendra Genova May (Addison Kemp May) of Charlotte, NC; David Moore Genova (Anne Harrison Genova) of Atlanta, GA; and his five grandchildren, Natalie Boren May, Adrienne Taylor May, Margot Malone May, Claire Simmons Genova, and Austin Lee Genova.
A celebration of life will take place on Cape Cod in the summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Osterville Veterans Association at 753 Main St, Osterville, MA 02655, the Barnstable Adult Community Center/ Senior Center at 825 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601 or to the charitable organization of your choice. Donations should read, "In Memory of Don Genova."
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