"Everyone dies- it's the LIVING that counts"
Born April 1, 1946 in Youngwood, Pennsylvania to Eugene R. Gelfo, SR. and Jean Bompiani. Gene was an entrepreneur from the start. He came to Hawaii in 1965 and found his "paradise"! In the early years, from selling TV guides and beach mats in PA, working as a barber along side his father and uncle, to buying his first building at the age of 19. "If it doesn't work one way, find another...Keep your goals in sight" From the principles that were embedded in him from his family of mentors he opened his first gift shop on Kalakaua called "Tropical Woods". Over the years more locations and concepts followed. "The Royal Peddler" appeared throughout Waikiki and the islands, "Pause'n Paw" at the Ward Warehouse and his most recent, the "Rock Island Cafe" in Waikiki. "LOOK at a Rainbow and you'll see his forever smiling face" He cherished the relationships made during his years and presidency at the Waikiki Rotary Club; and all the "business pioneers", that he had the privilege of working with and befriending. "Teach your children to be happy...not rich, so they know value not price". The greatest of his blessings are his children, Michael and Kimberly, who grew up in the business. Gene was so proud to see them working together to keep the "Tradition" going. Gene is survived by his wife Florence; son, Michael; daughter, Kimberly; grand furbabies Walt and MauMau; JoCarol and Robert; his sister, Carmela and Samuel Azzaro of Keene, NH: Matthew and Melissa Azzaro of Portsmouth, NH; all Gelfo and Bompiani families in Pennsylvania. Betty Tanabe; Ronald and Gail; Margaret and Eddie (Awong); Lisa and Jimmy; Takeru, Alysha, Brent, Marissa and entire Tanabe family of Hawaii and Okinawa. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Hawaiian Humane Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
