Eugene Raymond Pacifico

Eugene Raymond Pacifico, age 78, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Three Rivers Community Hospital.

A viewing will be at 8:30 a.m. until the end of the service, Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Hull & Hull Chapel. Private interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Maryknoll Missionaries, PO Box 302, Maryknoll, New York 10545.

Eugene was born January 21, 1933 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Alphonse & Josephine (Mascia) Pacifico. He was the third generation of Italian immigrants. At the age of four, Eugene’s father died and at the age of twelve, his mother died. At that time he was placed in “Boys Town.” He later returned to Altoona under the guardianship of his sister. In 1950 he graduated from high school. He joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War as a cryptographer and marksmen. While attaining a college business degree, he worked for I.G.A. Grocery and drove for FritoLay. After receiving his degree he worked many places over the years including Ralphs Grocery; Manager/buyer for Certified Grocers of California; Chief Commissary Officer for United States Air Force; food and beverage buyer for Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino; and salesman for Ratners Meat. He had four children with his first wife, Bonnie B. Bell before they divorced. For the last 20 years he shared his life with Sharron Schexnayder. After his retirement, he moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to Southern Oregon which he dearly loved.

He was a member of the Italian-American Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. He volunteered time with the American Cancer Society.

His hobbies included flying airplanes, cooking, grocery shopping, and dining by the river and the ocean. He loved birds and nature. He lived his life for his children and his children cherished him and loved him dearly. He was their rock. He truly missed and loved his mother, Josephine.

Survivors include his beloved companion, Sharron Schexnayder of Grants Pass, Oregon; four children, Debra Pacifico of Grants Pass, Oregon, Eugene Roy Pacifico of Othello, Washington, Catherine Ramsey of Othello, Washington, and Antonette Pacifico of Los Angeles, California; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded his parents; two sisters, Angelina F. Margargi and Gloria Provenzano; and a brother, Alphonse N. Pacifico II.

A devoted, moral man loved by all who knew him.