Gene Lynch

Gene died on Sunday, March 30, 2014, surrounded by the family who loved him so much. Gene was born on June 8, 1933 in Rockford IL, where he grew up. He moved with his family to Sacramento as a high school student, where he graduated from Christian Brothers High School before enlisting in the Navy. Gene was a veteran of the Korean War who served for four years on the aircraft carrier The Princeton. He later would graduate from Sacramento State in 1960. Upon his return to Sacramento, he met the love of his life, Margaret McFadden Lynch. The couple wed on July 20, 1957 and were married for 56 wonderful years. Gene was the patriarch of his family, which includes his daughters, Sharon Taylor, Nancy Doyle (John), and Erin Whitsell, eight grandchildren, Jeff Taylor (Lesley), Kevin Taylor (Jen), Tim, Caity (Chris Carassi) and Kelly Doyle, Casey, Marshall and Melissa Whitsell, and four great-grandchildren, Charley, Avery, Abbey and Oliver, all of whom loved their Papa dearly. Gene is also survived by his wife Margaret, his brother Larry (Kathy) Lynch, his sister Patricia Quinn, his sister-in-law Roseann (Frank) Marchi, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gene worked his way through college at Raley's Grocery stores. He graduated from Sacramento State in 1960 and started his career with the State of California, Department of Finance. During his 35 years with the state he also worked for the Board of Equalization, Employment Development Department, Energy Commission, California Conservation Corp and retired from the Department of Health Services as the Deputy Director of Audits and Investigations. An avid sports fan, Gene's first love was baseball, and he played shortstop through high school, while in the Navy, and recreationally. Gene was the heart of the family whom he loved and cherished so much. Nothing was more important to Gene than his family and dear friends, and his loving, humorous -- sometimes irreverent -- spirit will live on in their memories and hearts. Those who knew him will think of him whenever the Giants are playing. Take two and hit to right, Papa. A funeral and celebration of his life was held at St. Ignatius Parish, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11 a.m. Please send memorial donations to the charity of your choice.