Obituary of Eugene Mecadon

Longtime Santa Cruz resident Gene Mecadon passed away at Dominican Hospital Monday, with his wife of 60 years, Ruth, at his side. Born August 6, 1931, in Exeter, Pennsylvania, he was 82 years old. Gene served his country in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952, and then worked as an electrical engineer with Sylvania and Philco/Ford for more than 20 years. His skills made him the "go to" guy for various projects across the country. As a result, Gene and his family moved often, having lived in 12 locations in six States and three countries.Gene arrived and finally settled in Santa Cruz 46 years ago. Gene firmly believed that, while work paid the bills, after all is said and done, nothing in life is more important than family and friends. After building and operating a successful business, he enjoyed his retirement years by visiting his growing family and many friends scattered across the country, freely sharing his much appreciated wisdom and experience on life's trials and tribulations with all. Gene always pursued his passions. His love of flying led to his founding, along with longtime friend and business partner Gene Scarborough, Two Genes Aviation in San Martin and Watsonville California. He ran those businesses for 30 years, before selling both and retiring in 2005. After retirement, Gene developed another passion -- for RV travel. His motorhome allowed him to travel the country, visit his much loved family and old friends, and make new friends with each grand adventure. Gene and Ruthie traveled extensively, taking in 46 States, Canada and Mexico. His family will always cherish the memories of both participating in and listening to the tales of those road trips. Gene's one lifelong nemesis was golf, which he alternately enjoyed and despised. He was a member of the Pasatiempo Golf Club, and served on its board as association president. Gene was also a long time parishioner of Holy Cross Church. Gene lived his life on his own terms, and left the same way. Rather than mourn the years that might have been, his family and friends will forever cherish the years that were, and know that he is now in a better place. Gene is survived by his wife Ruth Mecadon of Santa Cruz; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tim Kesler of La Selva Beach; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Julie Mecadon of Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Willie and Stacey Mecadon of Santa Cruz; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Erik Peterson of Laguna Niguel; brother Tom Mecadon and wife Margaret of North Carolina; sister-in-law Kay of New Jersey and his brother-in-law Jack Williams of Pennsylvania. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Kristen, Hunter, Michael, Matthew, Lauren, Kevin, Erika, Dustin, John and Genie. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mary Ann Mecadon, his sisters Betty and Catherine; and brothers John and Joseph. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Sunday and Monday. Friends may pay their respects at a viewing to be held Sunday, March 2 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Rosary begins at 7 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 3 at Holy Cross Church (126 High Street) in Santa Cruz, beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Santa Cruz. A reception will follow at Holy Cross Hall. You may light a candle for Gene and share your prayers with his family by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity in his memory would be appreciated.