Eugene Joseph Vejsicky

Eugene “Gene” Joseph Vejsicky, the youngest child of James and Jennie (Kral) Vejsicky, was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. He passed away in Fountain Valley, CA at 88.  After graduating from John Adams HS, Gene signed with Philadelphia and played for the Mattoon Phillies. Later he joined the Cleveland Indians and played 3rd base for the Tifton Indians wearing his favorite #8. He left the minors and graduated from Ohio University. At OU he joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and was a member of the Army ROTC, and the Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Guard. While at OU, he met and married Jane Ann Thomas (married for 57 years). He served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Gene’s professional career began as a teacher and ultimately a superintendent with the State of Ohio Juvenile Correction Service. Concurrently, he received an MA at OU. Gene transitioned to a 30-year management career in the glass container industry. He advanced to plant manager of 8 different plants throughout the U.S. He was a “turnaround specialist”. Gene and his family relocated from Lancaster, OH, to Gurnee, IL, to Newark, DE, and finally to Long Beach, CA.

Gene enjoyed life, loved his country, and had a generous heart! He listened. Gene was a person of faith and was a member of the Good Shepherd Church. He was awarded “Colonel” in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, was a member of the Marine Corps College Foundation, Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lion Clubs, and was Chairman of the Fire Ambassadors of LB. Gene continued to support OU serving as President of the Regional Alumni Club and a member of the Alumni Board. His 2 children attended USC, and he hosted tailgates, attended many football games, and loved going to the annual Rose Bowl. Gene enjoyed music and his Friday evenings at the Hollywood Bowl.

Gene is survived by his two children, Cathleen Menke (Bruce), and Scott Vejsicky (Christine), and five grandchildren: Ryan Menke; Tucker, Cara, and Connor Vejsicky; and Ava Tucker. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Juniewich and Ann Thomas; his nieces Faith Karhan and Denise Lucywo; Jannette Langdon and Gayle Calahan; Susan and Brett Thomas; and Suzanne Mills.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James and sister Betty Jane; his brothers-in-law William Paroubek, James Thomas and Joseph Juniewich; his sister-in-law Gladys Vejsicky; his nephews James and Gerald Vejsicky; and his wife Jane.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 1st, at Good Shepherd Church, Los Alamitos, CA. There is a LIVE STREAMLINK to view the service, online.gspc.org (15 minutes before 2:00 pm PST). Gene will be buried alongside his wife Jane at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cypress, CA.

The Good Shepherd membership’s love was a blessing. In lieu of flowers, Gene’s family suggests that his memory be honored with donations to the

Good Shepherd Kitchen Renovation Fund.

(100% of proceeds go to the fund. The kitchen provides Senior, Community, and Thanksgiving dinners).

11600 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA. 90720