James D. Genovese

Jim Genovese, 76, passed away on June 8, 2023. He was born on October 16, 1946, in Akron to the late Frank and Marian (Wise) Genovese. Jim was a 1965 graduate of Coventry High School and attended Akron U, as well as the Firestone Apprenticeship program, and worked as a machinist for Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.

At the age of 30, Jim purchased Sandy Beach Mobile Home Park and started a long career as an entrepreneur in the Portage Lakes.  In 1985, he purchased Sandy Beach Marina and built Two Rack storage buildings, put in boat docks, and was the largest small boat Sea Ray dealer in the US. In 2018, Jim built The Ramp Restaurant.

Jim was on the Portage Lakes Advisory Council for 12 years.  He did a lot of work to better the area by having natural gas lines through the mobile home park, and getting sewer lines run through a 1 ½ mile stretch of South Main Street to mention just a few.

Jim was an avid restorer and collector of cars and boats.  His cars were judged at NCRS, Bloomington Gold, and even Triple Crowned at the Chevy Vettetest.  His collection of Chris Craft boats includes a 21ft Chris Craft Cobra.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Genovese.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Zana (Bell) Genovese; son James Michael (Leslie) Genovese; grandchildren, Gianna and Bryce; sister, Pamela (Michael) Petrie; best friends, John Messina, Dave Sax, and Judy DiFiore; as well as many other family and friends.

Jim loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 6 P.M. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  Family and friends may call from 4 P.M. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. To leave a special message for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

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