Obituary of Genia Martino Gemza

Genia Martino Gemza January 13, 1919 - June 25, 2007 Genia (Picone) Martino Gemza, 88, of Kendall Terrace East, Danbury, devoted wife of Frank S. Gemza, died peacefully at her home on Monday, June 25th. She was born in Yonkers, New York on January 13, 1919, daughter of the late Louis, Sr., and Mabel (Schuler) Picone. Mrs. Gemza worked as sales person for Rite Aid on Germantown Road in Danbury. She also worked alongside her husband, Frank, at Design Aide. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury, and volunteered as a driver for the American Red Cross. She enjoyed her flower garden, and loved bowling. Most importantly, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be sadly missed. In addition to her husband, Frank, she is survived by her son, Ross Martino and his wife, Rosemary of Danbury; her daughter, Joan Rizzo and her husband, Tony, of Danbury; her five grandchildren, Ross Martino, Jr., Michael Rizzo and his wife, Debbie, Anthony Rizzo, Jr. and his wife, Patty, Ross Rizzo and his wife, Jeanette, and Mary Jean Rebeiro and her husband, Tony; and thirteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her step-children, Roger Gemza and his wife, Kathy of Watertown, Sue MacNaughton of Waterbury, and Sharon Gemza of New Milford; three step grandchildren, Jennifer MacNaughton-Wang and her husband Jordan, Christina MacNaughton-Snow and her husband, Jason, Melissa Simpson-Manley and her husband, Christopher; two step-great grandchildren; her brother, Joseph Picone and his wife, Jan of Georgia; three sisters, Isabelle Cutler, Kate Valine and her husband, Fred, and Rita Raymond and her husband Richard, all of Danbury; as well as several nieces, nephews; and her caregiver, Benedette Welbeck. She was predeceased by her first husband, Ross Martino; her daughter, Lucy Martino; her brothers, Louis and John Picone; and her sisters, Margaret Pace and Marion Germanetti. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 28th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Wednesday, June 27th between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00pm. Donations Information Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 12 Cottage Street, Danbury, CT. 06810.