Obituary of Genevieve Giammanco

Genevieve Abbati Giammanco passed away peacefully on March 23 in her home in Del Rey Oaks, California, surrounded by family. She was 94 years old.

Genevieve was born on July 5, 1928, to John and Lucia Abbati in Monterey, California. She was one of ten children, including her eight sisters and brother, whom she loved dearly. As a young girl, Genevieve attended San Carlos School. She worked in the canneries in Monterey and later married a handsome young fisherman named Vincenzo Giammanco. Her role as matriarch of the Giammanco family soon began. Genevieve dedicated her love and energy to raising her three sons while her husband fished in Alaska and California. The Giammanco home became a place where the neighborhood kids would routinely gather, especially around dinner time. No matter how many kids trickled in, the house was warm, and there was plenty of Italian food for everyone.

In addition to being a full-time mother, Genevieve eventually became responsible for operating a paddle boat business on Lake El Estero with her husband. After several years of running El Estero Boating together, Genevieve took over ownership and ran the business independently for thirty additional years. El Estero Boating provided enjoyment and employment to generations of kids and adults during that time. Genevieve ran her business with an admirable balance of hard work, perseverance, and joy. A community grew and gathered around Genevieve.

Genevieve loved her home and her community. She was well known for her daily walks in the neighborhood with various relatives and friends. If her garage door was open, she was home, and visitors were welcome. When the grandkids were old enough to bring their friends by her house, Genevieve generously and without hesitation opened her home and her heart to them.

Genevieve loved to travel. Some of her proudest moments and favorite stories centered around vacations she had taken with her family and friends. She encouraged her grandchildren to focus on academics, work hard, be independent, and dance with her on the family cruises.

Genevieve was the solid, unwavering foundation and center of her family. She impacted everyone she knew with genuine love and her truthful, unedited spirit. Genevieve was devoted, fiercely loyal, and protective of her family. She lived a rich, memorable life and left behind many treasured memories. She will be remembered for her holiday dinners, quick-witted humor, boisterous laugh, and rapid-fire "Nani Kisses."

Genevieve has one surviving sister, Josephine Cutrufelli of Monterey. She is preceded by her sisters Anna Incaviglia, Carmella Abbati, Mary Indorato, Lucy Ruccello, Lena Carine, Virginia Campo, Rose Lonero, and her brother Anthony Abbati.

Genevieve is survived by her sons, Anthony (Cathy), John (Gina), Vincent (Stefani), and her grandchildren, Anthony, Teresa, Jenny, John, Brittney, Vincenzo, Leonard, and eleven great-grandchildren. Genevieve was preceded in passing by her precious granddaughter, Genevieve Gloria Giammanco.

The funeral service will be held on April 13, 2023, at 10:00 am at San Carlos Church in Monterey, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Club at Pasadera from 11:30 am-2:30 pm.

Instead of flowers, the family prefers donations to The Gen Giammanco Foundation. The Gen Giammanco Foundation was lovingly established by Genevieve's daughter-in-law, Annie Giammanco, in honor of Genevieve's granddaughter, with whom she shared her name. For more information, please visit: https://gengiammancofoundation.org/