Eugene Joseph La Macchia

Eugene Joseph La Macchia passed away into the heavenly realm at his home surrounded by those he loved most on Monday December 8^th at 7:44 pm.  Eddie has been re-united with his cherished wife Anita, completing a blending of souls that began in 1952.  Their love embodied a purpose that defined their beings.  Gene’s family maintained a constant vigil as he fought death to the very end.  His passing was the culmination of a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Gene fought gallantly, becoming a golden souled beacon of love and affection for those around him.

Eugene’s life was marked by devotion to his family.  He was an innovative businessman, a dedicated Catholic, and was immensely proud of his Italian-German heritage.  Eugene was a life-long resident of Kenosha who deeply loved his childhood home on 35^th Avenue at 53^rd Street where a profound closeness with his sisters and brothers was nurtured.  Within the family he was known as a progressive political thinker with a great sense of history both familial and civic.  He graduated from St. Thomas Grade School, St. Mary’s High School (1953), and Marquette University. Eddie’s life was enriched by his lifelong friendships with Jim Hauke, Dick Pofahl, Ron Kollman, Dario Madrigrano, and Sam Fasulo.

Eugene married Anita Ventura on September 1^st, 1956.  Through their life together Eddie and Anita raised an intensely passionate family strengthened by frequent tender physical affection.  They had five children, Edmund, Julie, Teresa, Michael, and Joseph.  Gene was caretaker and mentor, who loved hard work as a teacher of life lessons.  Gene and Anita were a handsome couple sure to tastefully sport the most contemporary fashion.  And his hair was perfect!  Gene had a deep love of shoes, providing many insights to his children while sitting in front of his shoe shine kit.

Eugene spent his life working as an employee, owner, and emeritus consultant at the family business, ‘La Macchia Travel’.  One of his great prides was that his nephew Tom Karnes has kept the agency thriving as a fourth generation family business.  As a businessman, Eugene was a particularly skilled marketer recognizing the power of advertising, creating brand marks, and inspiring tag lines that encouraged adventurousness (Kenosha’s Marvelous Little Escape Hatch).  He shepherded the family business from a menagerie of services primarily focused on assisting immigrant Italians to a dynamic travel agency focused on providing customers with the highest quality experience regardless of whether it was recreational, business, or personal.  In his work life he often went above and beyond normal business expectations to provide support for individuals in need.

Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Anita, mother and father Emma and Edmund La Macchia and in-law’s Rose and Julius Ventura, Dr. John Connolly.  Survivors include his children; Edmund (Patty), Julie, Teresa, Michael, and Joseph (Amy) La Macchia, six grandchildren, Gina Faber, Iggy, Willy, Otis, Ruby, & Ozzie La Macchia; five siblings and their families; Mary and Bob Karnes, William and Sharon La Macchia, Patty & Terry Constant, Edmund (Franz) & Judy and Robert and Candy La Macchia; his loving in-laws Marilyn Connolly, Robert (Angie), Anthony (Peggy) and Marty (Naomi) Ventura; best friend Jim Hauke, and a wonderful extended family that he loved supremely.

The La Macchia family would like to thank Doctor Ashwani K. Sethi and his staff for the loving and compassionate care that Eugene received throughout the latter part of his life.  The extended La Macchia family offers great appreciations to Julie, Teresa, and Joseph for their unselfish commitment to making Eugene’s final chapter a heroic and love filled journey. 

Dad, brother, & friend – Fare you well, fare you well  we love you more than words can tell.  Your spirit in all its substance and genuineness will live in each of those who have known and loved you.