Eugene (Genio) Cecchini; Restaurateur

Eugene (Genio) Cecchini, who opened Genio’s restaurant in Burbank more than 40 years ago, has died at a Sun Valley retirement home. He was 92.

A longtime Burbank resident, Cecchini died Wednesday of cancer, said his son, Marvin Cecchini of Glendale.

Born in Gabicce, Italy, Cecchini was a member of the Italian Merchant Marines when he jumped ship in Baltimore in 1923. He later opened an Italian restaurant in Detroit. In 1945, he moved to California and seven years later, opened Genio’s in Burbank. The restaurant continues to be family owned and operated.

He was a life member of the Burbank Sertoma Club, the Garabaldina Society, the Knights of Columbus Cabrini Council and the Italian Council Federation No. 102.

In addition to his son, Marvin, Cecchini is survived by his son Eugene Cecchini Jr. of Glendale; daughter Paula O’Steen of Los Osos; nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. His wife, Joan Cecchini, died in 1984.

Visitation will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Valley Funeral Home, 2121 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank. A rosary will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 3801 Scott Road, Burbank. A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be private. Donations can be made in Cecchini’s name to Villa Scalabrini Retirement Center in Sun Valley or the St. Joseph Medical Center Cancer Fund.