Gene R. Patena ( GENO), age 88 peacefully passed away on March 18, 2026. He will always remain anchored in our hearts.

Gene was born on March 30th, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Joseph and Jeanette Patena.
He married his high school sweetheart Janet (nee Kaderbek), deceased; loving father to Todd and Shelley;
Dearest Skipper of Heather Land (Chad), Russell May (Megan) and Margaux May; Great Grandfather
of Elowen, Harlee, Haylee, River and Hayven. Loving brother of Betsy Miller (Roy), Michael Patena ( Loretta), Geraldine
Henry, deceased and Tom Patena (Genine). Loving Uncle and friend to many.

A proud Veteran of the United States Army, Korean War era, Gene exemplified a spirit of duty and
commitment to his career and family. For 28 years he honorably served the Cleveland Police Department retiring with the rank of Sergeant.His police legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family members that followed in his footsteps.
Upon his retirement and with his boat “Real Time”, Gene established “Holiday Charters” a private Charter Boat business serving Western Lake Erie for nearly 25 years. His business motto, “ Come as Strangers, Leave as Friends”.

To his children he leaves behind a unique foundation fostered in strong family bonds, adventure and a profound
connection to the water along with the sheer joy of sharing a day on the lake.

To his friends he leaves behind this special toast in his memory, “There are wooden ships, steel ships and ships that sail
the seven seas. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be” !!

A private mass with Honors will be held on his birthday Monday, March 30th, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4423 Pearl Rd. Cleveland Oh. 44109. Police Chaplain Father Doug Brown officiating. Interment at Kelleys Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Cleveland Police Historical Society.