Eugene John GIZZI

1931 - 12 AUG 2009

• BIRTH: 1931, Mishawaka, Indiana
• DEATH: 12 AUG 2009, Signal Mountain, Hamilton County, TN

INDEX

[N19770] Brother Eugene John “Brother Gene” Gizzi

BIRTH 9 Feb 1931
Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, IN

DEATH 13 Aug 2009 (aged 78)
Signal Mountain, Hamilton County, TN

BURIAL
Mount Olivet Cemetery
East Ridge, Hamilton County, TN
MEMORIAL ID40727418

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Brother Eugene John Gizzi C.F.A., formerly of Mishawaka, Indiana died on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at the age of 78 at the Alexian Brother's Healthcare Center, Signal Mountain, Tennessee after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana as the son of Luigi and Carmina Gizzi (deceased). He was a member of St. Joseph Parish, Mishawaka, and an alumnus of Central Catholic High School (1949) in South Bend, Indiana. He was a vowed member of the Alexian Brothers for 59 years and was known as Brother Gene. His life was one filled with love and generosity. He made everyone feel welcome and safe and used his gifts and talents for the enrichment of each person he met. He graduated from the Alexian Brothers School of Nursing (1955) and received a bachelor's degree in social science from DePaul University, Chicago and a master's degree in social work from Loyola University, Chicago (1972). He was a gifted poet and a certified Graphoanalyst. Brother Gene ministered in various nursing service positions with the American Province of Alexian Brothers as well as in medical social work and pastoral care. He held various roles and functions within the Alexian religious community including several directorships. He worked as vocational director in the Alexian Formation Program preparing men for their religious vows as Alexian brothers. Brother Gene was one of several Alexian brothers who provided nursing care for Archbishop Noll (South Bend / Fort Wayne Diocese) prior to his death (1953). He was also one of several brothers assigned to Father Flanagan's Boys Town to assist with health care (1955). Bishop Noll, aware of Brother Gene's devotion to the Guardian Angel, presented the Alexian Brothers with a statue of "The Guardian Angel" which remains to this day in the chapel at Boys' Town (Nebraska). Brother Gene was also commissioned by the Alexian Brothers to establish their Philippine Mission (1981). Brother Gene is survived by his sister, Virginia (Darrell) Zellers, Mishawaka, Indiana and his brother, Rev. Mr. Emilio (Linda) Gizzi, South Bend, Indiana. He has four nephews John Zellers, Alan Zellers, Doctor James Zellers, Timothy (Peggy) Gizzi, and niece Beth (Keith) Fulks and Laura Lynn Gizzi (deceased), and 13 great nieces and nephews. As the end drew near Brother Gene expressed his love and gratitude to his family, the Alexian Brothers, and to the residents and staff of the Alexian Village. He also expressed great gratitude to the medical team of the UT Family Practice and the staff of the Erlanger Hospital (Chattanooga) for their efficient care. In memory of Brother Gene, donations may be sent to the Alexian Village Resident Scholarship Fund at 437 Alexian Way, Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Monday, August 24th at Alexian Village St. Augustine Chapel, a Vigil will take place at 7:00 pm with visitation continuing thereafter until the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 25th at 11 :15 a.m. Rev. Al Humbrecht will officiate assisted by Rev. Mr. Emilio Gizzi and local clergy. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.