Gene J. Cammarota

Gene J. Cammarota

June 3, 1958 – March 2, 2022

VISITATION: Saturday, March 5th from 2pm to 4pm followed by FUNERAL SERVICE at 4pm, all at West Center Chapel.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

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Gene Cammarota, age 63, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

He was born June 3,1958, in Queens, New York.

Preceded in death by parents, Anthony and Mary Cammarota.  Survived by wife, Julie; son, Lukas Cammarota; daughter, Frannie Walsh (Griffin) of Omaha, NE; brothers, Anthony Cammarota (Linda) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Michael Cammarota (Gustinia) of New Fairfield, Connecticut; sister, Kathleen Evangelista (Angelo) of Long Island, New York; many nieces and nephews.        

Gene’s passion for the culinary arts started at a young age cooking with his family.  At the age of 19 he moved from his home in Queens, NY to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Gene got a job at the Hilton Las Vegas working under Chef Yves Menez.  There he realized he wanted to continue his culinary passion and followed Chef Menz to San Diego, California and worked at the Intercontinental Hotel.  It was in San Diego that Gene met the “loves” of his life – The Pacific Ocean and his wife, Julie, and became forever tied to Omaha, Nebraska. 

He enrolled into the California Culinary Institute in San Francisco, California to continue his culinary journey.  This experience broadened his knowledge and fueled his culinary passions.  After completing his studies, he married Julie and they moved to Monterey where Gene took a dream job, opening the Inn at Spanish Bay.  From Monterey, they moved to Colorado and lived in Steamboat Springs and the western slope.  Finally, the decision was made to move to Omaha, NE to be closer to family and to start their own business.  Eventually, opening the Brass Grille in the Old Market when he famously invited everyone to “Come on into My Kitchen” and started his family. 

The twins, Luke and Frannie, were born and the family was complete.  Gene was passionate about sharing his knowledge of the culinary arts with everyone.  He demonstrated this in many ways, but most recently he was a dedicated Professor of Culinary Arts at Iowa Western Community College.  Gene had many achievements and was recognized in Nebraska and Iowa and in 2019 was inducted into the Omaha Culinary Hall of Fame.  He also had many passions outside of cooking including, but not limited to his friends, horse racing, radio DJ, goat farming, and music of all types. 

Gene was actively involved in the community until his last days.  His legacy will live on in his children, future grandchildren, and everyone’s lasting memories.

 

 

 

36 Comments

  • Lucia Huerta Posted March 2, 2022 6:51 pm

    He was the best professor anyone could ask for ❤️

  • Kayla Pauley Posted March 2, 2022 9:20 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family. Gene was my culinary instructor at Iowa Western 2 years ago.

  • Brett Downing Posted March 3, 2022 9:48 am

    Praying for peace and comfort. Gene made a positive impact on me and my team. We recently met him at Cloisters and he immediately welcomed us as part of the team. Gene’s positive impact made on the culinary industry in Omaha will live on forever with the countless students and connections he made.

  • Taylor Fox-Mendez Posted March 3, 2022 10:42 am

    My absolute condolences to the family. Gene was a great man.
    He was one of my culinary instructors back in 2012-2014. He was so proud to see where I am now.

  • Michael Aparo Posted March 3, 2022 11:08 am

    My deepest condolences. Gene was a great guy and chef!

  • Robyn Christenson Posted March 3, 2022 11:26 am

    I met Gene many years ago when my son, Steve, and I took his cooking class. We ended up taking classes for ten years. I still have Geno’s recipes. Steve was in school at Mt. Michael and Geno would always send delicious leftovers from class back to the boys. He was such a nice guy. Geno catered a graduation party for my daughter, Annie, and he came and cooked the birthday dinner for Steve when he turned 30. My mom even loved Geno. He would always make time to say hi to her even during a busy lunch hour. If Gene was there, things were always more fun. It was a pleasure knowing him. I am so sorry for your loss, Julie and kids. He was a wonderful guy and will be missed by so many.

  • Kevin P Ryan Posted March 3, 2022 12:45 pm

    So sorry to hear this, I frequented Gene’s restaurant on Leavenworth St, and talked to him at the track occasionally, always a lot of laughs on T&T radio show, Come on Come on. RIP

  • Bob Koperski Posted March 3, 2022 6:14 pm

    I was heartbroken when he closed Come On Into My Kitchen and went off the air at KKAR a number of years ago. I listened to his show religiously and learned a lot. Great chef! Great guy! Condolences to his family

  • Lydia Sichmeller Posted March 3, 2022 6:18 pm

    Julie we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Peace always Lydia & Jim

  • Jeri Hoffman & Mike Mahoney Posted March 3, 2022 10:22 pm

    Julie and family we are sorry for your loss. It was always fun working with you and Gene. May he rest in peace!

  • Kirstin Hall Posted March 3, 2022 11:07 pm

    Geno.. I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. My heart is heavy. Always love you man.

  • Gabriella Castro Posted March 4, 2022 8:27 am

    I am truly saddened. He knew my cousins from Queens New York (Ricky and Liliana Zambrano) I enjoyed the Old Market restaurant, the radio program, taking classes at the Leavenworth Street restaurant and speaking to him at the Farmers Market. He always appreciated the Colombian spices I shared with him. He was a passionate man and will be missed. In my prayers.

  • Bobbie Brooks Posted March 4, 2022 9:45 am

    So many memories. What a great man, a great teacher, restauranteur, friend, chef, just a wonderful person overall. He will be sadly missed by all of us who loved him dearly. 🙁 To his family, my deepest condolences.

  • Cindy Ries Meier Posted March 4, 2022 12:41 pm

    Gene was a fun-loving guy who always filled a room with good vibes & laughter. I am happy to have known him since his time back in Colorado & in Omaha. It was (is) always great seeing Gene & Julie when I visit Omaha. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed. My condolences to Julie, Frannie & Luke.
    RIP my friend.

  • John & Ray Posted March 4, 2022 10:12 pm

    Julie and family, so sorry for your loss. So many memories and so many laughs.
    Much love to you all.
    old friends John & Ray

  • Charles DiMaggio Posted March 5, 2022 9:04 am

    My deepest sympathy and sorrow to Gino’s family, friends and colleagues on this terrible loss. Was lucky enough to know him growing up, and to see and play some music with him when he was in NYC recently. He was a talented, special person and will be missed.

  • Susan Meade Quijano Posted March 5, 2022 10:14 am

    My deepest condolences. I still remember your sweetness and humor from days long ago. May God Bless and Keep you always.

  • Albert and Myrna Lierz Posted March 5, 2022 10:26 am

    We are saddened that Gene left family and many friends so soon, but his memory will stay forever with those whose life he touched, especially our son-in-law Brian Swanson, our son Rex, and our daughter Miranda. Thank you Gene and Julie for your friendship.

  • Francesca(Roy) Cammarota Posted March 5, 2022 1:17 pm

    So sorry to hear. My condolences to all. May he test in peace

  • Michael J Moore Posted March 5, 2022 1:38 pm

    Gene was my very first friend on this earth and we are still friends.
    I love him and I am devastated to lose him.
    God takes the soul, our mind holds the memories, our hearts keep the love, and our faith let’s us know that we will meet again!

  • Pam Homan Posted March 5, 2022 4:01 pm

    We met Gene and Julie back at Sacred Heart when all.our kids were little. This is such sad news. Julie, Chris and I are thinking of you all. Pam Homan and Chris Kilroy

  • Anne Troia Posted March 5, 2022 6:18 pm

    Dear Julie, Luke and Frannie. I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was and will always be an amazing man. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • BobMoritz Posted March 5, 2022 6:23 pm

    Losing a family member so close is devastating, and no words can ever really relieve that pain. But to help, I wish you courage, faith and healing during these toughest of days.. You will be in my thoughts and prayers from today and forward. (from a friend of Mikes)

  • Paul McNerney Posted March 5, 2022 8:25 pm

    He was one of the good guys. SO sorry to family

  • Liz O’Neill DeSantis Posted March 6, 2022 12:55 am

    Please accept my deepest condolences on Gene’s passing. Losing a sibling is so very difficult. May God watch over you all during this time. 💙

  • Larry Dickman Posted March 6, 2022 9:11 am

    We will all miss the sound of a creaking spring on a screen door and Geno’s warm greeting of “HEY, FAGGOTS!”.

  • Patrick M Mahon Posted March 6, 2022 11:14 am

    My sincerest condolences to Gene’s family. Especially brothers Anthony and Michael and sister Kathleen. I knew the Cammarotas since we were little kids and though it has been a lifetime and you may not even remember me please know Gene will be in my prayers.

  • Charm Smith Posted March 6, 2022 3:49 pm

    Gene was a force to be reckoned with at IWCC culinary arts advisory committee meetings. We laughed, learned and most of all, enjoyed his company. So sorry to hear he has left us this soon.

  • Rich Saio Posted March 6, 2022 8:10 pm

    Condolences to his family and all who knew Gene
    Great Guy Great family RIP

  • Donald Crossley Posted March 6, 2022 11:31 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to all who loved Gene. My first introduction to Gene was when he had the radio show on KKAR, then we went to the Brasse Grill and later to Come On Into My Kitchen one of our favorites after church on Sunday.. My wife signed us up for a series of evening cooking classes at Iowa Western and to my pleasant surprise Gene was our instructor. Sorry for your loss!

  • Gerald Ries Posted March 7, 2022 1:18 pm

    My condolences to Julie and family, Gene will always be remembered by the Ries’s. We loved his NY accent, love of life, humor, interesting conversations and oh cooking too. I moved out of Omaha back in 1992 but every time I’d return for a family reunion, Gene and Julie would be there too. I guess they are part of our extended family. I even got to play golf with Gene and wish I could have played with him at Pebble Beach! The online service was great – everything Gene would have loved. Julie we love you out here in Washington and know that were thinking of you. Jerry, Amelia and family.

  • Glenna York Posted March 7, 2022 3:03 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gene.

    Gene, I will miss you and your delicious cookery, most recently at Stanley’s Snack Shack. Your performance with Avery last summer at Stanley’s anniversary celebration in the Loess Hills brings a smile to me when I recall that day, or watch the video of your performance. I can’t imagine not seeing you there this coming spring. You were larger than life and your passing has left a huge hole in many hearts when you left this earth! Charlotte loved you so much and is sad you had to go. I find comfort in the thought of you surrounded by Angels as you sing your signature song, Come on into My Kitchen. Until we meet again, my friend. 🧡

  • Fawn M Herndon Posted March 8, 2022 7:35 am

    Gene was my high school culinary arts teacher years ago!! I have always remembered so many lessons and laughs he gave. COMMA COMMA COMIN MY KITCHEN!!! His love for his children, wife, family, friends and food was heaven here on earth. Prayers to everyone who was blessed to know Gene.

  • Diane Bodkin Posted March 8, 2022 1:56 pm

    Have so many wonderful memories growing up next door to Gene and the Cammarota’s…Gene was a beautiful soul even back then…To this day, I never hear Hey Jude without seeing Gene sitting at his Moms dining room table singing better than Paul McCartney..He will be truly missed…🙏🙏💔

  • Tom Johnson Posted March 9, 2022 8:10 pm

    I knew Gene a long time ago when he did segments on KETV’s Good Morning and NewsWatch 7 at 11:30. He was a lot of fun to be around. I hadn’t seen him in many years but he knew me right away when I saw him at Stir Concert Cove.
    I was so surprised to hear of Gene’s passing.
    My sympathies go out to Gene’s family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

  • Greg Lindberg Posted March 12, 2022 9:27 am

    Julie, from hosting our wedding, being a loyal Seafood customer, being on his cooking show, and many other memories, I just feel sad. Omaha is very lucky to have been blessed by GENE‘s presence. Stay strong. Thanks for everything.

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