Eugene 'Geno' Russell Joseph Kanto

MARENISCO, Mich. - Eugene "Geno" Russell Joseph Kanto, 65, a longtime resident of Marenisco, died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, at his home.

Eugene was born on July 20, 1950, in Wakefield, the son of Russell Jack and Freda Ann (Granato) Kanto. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1968.

On Oct. 20, 1979, Geno was united in marriage to Judith Sarah Wenberg in Hancock. The young couple made their home in Marenisco and were blessed with three children.

He was employed as a custodian and bus driver for 27 years at Roosevelt School in Marenisco. He also taught math and coached basketball, track, football and golf. After the school closed in 2004, Geno resumed his duties as a custodian and bus driver at Wakefield-Marenisco School District until retirement.

He was a lifelong Detroit sports fan and an avid golfer.

Geno is survived by his loving wife, Judy; two sons, Kris (Kala) and Geno; a daughter, Gina; four grandchildren, Zoe, Cohen, Sapphira and Kaelyn; his mother-in-law, Maryanne Lexson; and other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law, David Lexson.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at 11 a.m., at the Marenisco Town Hall, with the Rev. Chips C. Paulson officiating. A luncheon will follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made at lakesidememorialchapel.com.