Ignacio Giacalone

Ignacio “Gene” Giacalone Jr. passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on November 8, 2020. He has left behind quite a legacy. He will be deeply missed.

Gene, or Beba as his Sicilian friends knew him, was born on December 2, 1928 to Ignacio Giacalone Sr. and Cathlyn Asaro Giacalone in San Diego, Ca. He was the third child in a family of four boys: Vito, Nick, Gene, and Peter. The brothers remained close their whole lives. Peter and Nick have pre-deceased Gene, and Vito, the oldest, is still going at 98 years old! Gene thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his brothers and their families. Their humor and positive attitudes would fill any room they were in. Truly remarkable men!
During his youth Gene would enjoy hanging around the Little Italy neighborhood, attending San Diego High School, and playing sports in the local fields with his good friends. He had many odd jobs including painting the Hotel del Coronado. As he grew into adulthood it was time for him to take up the family business of commercial fishing. He loved fishing and the adventures it gave him. Eventually he had to hang up his pole when he was drafted into the United States Army.
Serving his country was a proud moment in Gene’s life. He was part of the Military Police, an outfit he very much enjoyed and excelled at. It was when the Chinese got involved in the Korean War that he had to leave his MP position and fight along his brothers in the 182nd Infantry Division, Indian Head. Gene saw a lot of action in Korea. He did an excellent job as a company runner, delivering messages back and forth to different posts. In September of 1951 he was badly injured during a fight and nearly lost his life. He was awarded the Purple Heart medal. He was also put in for the Bronze Star for valor in combat but due to unforeseen events never received it. After he convalesced he returned home to continue life as a fisherman in San Diego.
It was then that he met his beautiful, Milwaukee-born bride to be, Antoinette Marie Tarantino. The had a quick, yet customary at the time, courtship and were married at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Parish on November 22nd, 1952. They started what would be a beautiful life together.
Antoinette, or Nettie as most knew her, didn’t like the life of a fisherman’s wife. She encouraged Gene to get a job on land. It was then that he started working at People’s Fish Company. Eventually he rose to one of the owners of the fish market. He was instrumental in building the market at Seaport Village. He was so proud of his market. He sold fresh fish and fed everyone from friends and family to politicians and movie stars. The market eventually closed around 1994 but to this day San Diegans still remember it.
Gene and Nettie had four beautiful children together: Cathlyn “Cathy”Giacalone Bulcao (Bruce), Geraldine “Dina” Giacalone Guidi (Louis), Ignacio “Antone” Giacalone (Melissa), and Salvatore “Sal” Giacalone (Lynn Holter). Gene was the best father to his children always making sure they had more than he had growing up. They all received Catholic education at St. Therese Academy and then the Academy of Our Lady of Peace and St. Augustine respectively. Gene and Nettie loved being a part of their kids’ lives. They attended ball games, had countless parties at their Allied Gardens home, and even chaperoned a high school dance or two. Family was everything.
Gene and Nettie also had an extensive group of friends. They enjoyed bus trips to Palm Springs and Las Vegas seeing their favorite stars perform, namely Frank Sinatra. Fun times at Bahia beach and Crown Point on Sundays. Various church events and a bar at their home that was never empty. Gene was also an avid golfer and a founding member of the Fish Mongers.
In 1975 they became grandparents. By about 1990 they had 8 total, 3 girls and 5 boys. They were fantastic grandparents. The kids always loved going to Papa’s Fish Market to see what was pulled out of the ocean. One of their most exciting memories was seeing the 18ft great white shark that was caught off La Jolla and placed in the freezer. That cured all of them from going into the ocean instantly. Pool parties at Nani and Papa’s house was another favorite and of course, the holidays!
In 1999 Gene lost Nettie on April 23rd. It was a terrible blow to the family but they rallied around Gene and gave him the strength to go on.
After Nettie passed Gene learned his new normal. He continued to golf, loved to go to Barona Casino, and enjoyed going to the various family members’ homes to have a meal and visit. He also continued to do yard work and at home projects. Gene kept his yard like “Balboa Park.” He also became a great-grandfather. By the time of his passing he had 13 great-grandchildren and they’re not done yet. He absolutely adored his great grandchildren and loved to have them rub his beard as babies and tell him about their goals and achievements as they got older.
Many people in life can say that they were blessed with a great father. In the case of Gene nothing could be truer. He loved selflessly, cared deeply, and gave unconditionally. He was a remarkable father. His sense of humor could get him out of any situation. To know him was to love him. We know that God called him home to Heaven but we sure miss him here. He was and always will be our best friend!! Till we meet again...