Gene L. Julian, 90, born May 4, 1916, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2006. Born in Rock Falls, IL, Mr. Julian (originally Giuliano), moved to Chicago's Taylor Street neighborhood with his family. One of five children, John, Canavy, Ann & Helen, he attended McKinley High School and then went on to be the first in his family to attend business college. Recruited by Illinois Bell Telephone Co. to be a pay phone nickel collector, Mr. Julian quickly worked his way up to become a salesman selling their expansion equipment and services to some of Chicago's biggest companies. He retired after 33 years of service of working in the field for Illinois Bell. Geno and his wife Phyllis moved to Forest Park, IL where they raised two children, Ronald and Jeanie. There, he was a precinct captain and active member of St. Bernardine Parish. Their retirement years brought them to San Juan Capistrano, CA and then back home to Oakbrook Terrace, IL where Mr. Julian remained after the passing of his wife 20 years ago. Mr. Julian was active in his condo association as President for many years. His loves, including Las Vegas, card games with friends and his vacations to California to see family were part of his passion for life. He enjoyed the company of his son and daughter, grandchild, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, always entertaining them with his lively and rousing piano playing. Mr. Julian will be remembered for his gentle and good-natured spirit and always making people feel welcome into his home for coffee "and". Preceding him in death were his first wife, Phyllis, nee DeCicco; second wife, Florence, nee Spina and son, Ronald. He leaves behind his devoted daughter, Jean Julian (Michael Raounas) of Manhattan, NY; granddaughter Paula Julian Peterson; daughter-in-law, Patricia Julian Kautz and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral Saturday, 10:30 a.m. from Hursen Funeral Home, S.W. corner of Roosevelt and Mannheim Roads, Hillside/Westchester to Visitation Catholic Church, York Road and Madison St., Elmhurst. Mass 11:30 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the British Home, appreciated. Funeral info, toll-free, 800-562-0082 or www.hursen.com
Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on Nov. 15, 2006