Obituary

Bernard Gary Genco

October 19, 1952 - April 16, 2023

Bernard Gary Genco, age 70, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023. He was born on October 19, 1952, in Bogalusa to the late Charles Sam Genco and Lena Mae Saltaformaggio Genco. Gary is survived by his brothers Stephen Genco and Bryan Genco of Bogalusa, LA, Sister-in-law, Cherie Genco of Bogalusa, LA, Ken Jenkins, a longtime friend of Metairie, LA, many cousins, and other family members.

Gary graduated from Bogalusa High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s plus thirty Degree in Education. He was a lifelong educator serving as a teacher and principal in the Bogalusa School District, and later a teacher and administrator in the New Orleans Public Schools System. Gary was an outstanding educator whose enthusiasm for teaching and dedication to his students was exemplary. He was selected by the Louisiana Department of Education to represent Washington Parish in the National/State Leadership Training Institute, a three-year program to develop programs for gifted and talented students in Louisiana. Gary’s cheerful, gregarious personality and deep devotion to his students made him not only an outstanding educator, but a beloved teacher to his students. Gary strove to provide experiences for his classes that went beyond the classroom, taking them to many cultural events as well as out of town field trips within the state - often after school hours. Gary felt enriching children’s lives was a key component of education.

​Gary’s joie de vivre was especially evident during Mardi Gras. He was a member of several Carnival Krewes including Krewe of Thoth, Phunny Phorty Phellows, Knights of Sparta, and Endymion. The pinnacle of his Carnival celebrations, however, was chosen to reign as King Thoth LI in 1998. It was an extraordinary year filled with cherished memories.

​Throughout his life, Gary was a devout Roman Catholic and longtime member of Annunciation Catholic Church. He received the Archdiocese of New Orleans St. Louis Award for his service with the churches CYO ministry. He made several pilgrimages to Rome and had a private audience with Pope John Paul II. He lived his religion daily by caring for others, helping those in need, and engaging in prayerful reflection. Gary received many awards and recognitions. A few of them include: ’77 Bogalusa Young Man of the Year, KC Outstanding Knight of the Year for 1977, Outstanding CYO Director for 1977, Outstanding 4-H in the City of Bogalusa. He was also a member of numerous church, civic, and educational organizations: Past President of the Association of Classroom Teachers, Past Publicity Director for the Louisiana Teachers Association, Past President of Kappa Delta Pi, national honor society, Past CYO Director, Member and Part Officer of the Knights of Columbus, Past Board Member and Officer of Mill Town Players, Past Director for Pleasant Hill Elementary Schools 4-H Program, Past-Chairman of the Mini-Town Meeting, and member of many other organizations. He touched so many people’s lives in such positive ways. When he entered a room, he made people smile with his cheerful disposition and kind deeds. Gary will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, 517 Avenue B, Bogalusa, LA on Saturday, April 22, 2023, with Rosary beginning at 9:30A.M. visitation 10 A.M.-Noon, Funeral Service Mass at 12 Noon with Rev. Father Pat Collum officiating.

Interment will follow the services at Ponemah Cemetery.

​Brown-McGehee Funeral Home oversees arrangements.