Eugene Falco

Mr. Eugene P. Falco, of Jamaica Plain, died Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He was 66.

Eugene Paul Falco, lovingly known to all as "Gene" was born on June 16, 1945 in Medford, a son the late Gennaro G. and Josephine M. (Tarullo) Falco. Raised in Medford and then Waltham, he was a graduate of Boston College High School, class of 1962. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Tufts University in 1966. With continued eagerness and passion to learn, he continued his studies and earned his Master's degree in African Studies from Boston University.

As the Vietnam War escalated he went through Officer's Training School in Newport and served in the United States Navy during the war, stationed in San Diego, California. Gene's professional career began in the development offices at Wheaton College in Boston and later at Tufts University. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Gene went back to graduate school and earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. After years of work as a professor of political science and legal assisting, academic division director, and Director of Student Activities at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, Connecticut, Gene's thirst for higher learning was not yet quenched and took on his next challenge of law school and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut at night while he continued his work at Northwestern.

After law school he was admitted to the Connecticut bar, clerked for the Connecticut State Supreme Court, and opened his own private practice. He specialized in family law and child advocacy. He worked tirelessly for the rights of children, the underprivileged and their families.

His move back to the Boston area in early 2000's enabled him to gain admittance to the Massachusetts bar and establish a law practice in Jamaica Plain. His interests and passions varied. An avid gardener, he also loved time with his hands in the soil or walking and reflecting at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Recreationally, he loved road cycling and following the Boston Red Sox either at Fenway Park or television. Talented also in woodworking, he was able to tend to most of all the home improvements around his home and yard, always having at least one ongoing project. In the end, what Gene treasured most was his family and friends. Truly proud of his rich Italian heritage, Gene was a phenomenal cook. He was happiest when a pot of sauce was on the stove with one of his favorite Italian opera's playing in the background with family and friends enjoying one of his signature dishes from his own or a traditional family recipe.

Gene took much pride in the legacy he leaves in his sons, Jason P. Falco and his wife, Shonna, of Morrison, Colorado, David S. Falco of Las Vegas, Nevada and Daniel E. B. Falco of Hartford, Connecticut; his granddaughters, Allison Lea and Sarah Jordan Falco; his siblings, Marguerite J. 'Rita' Botti and her husband, Ernest, and Peter J. L. Falco, all of Waltham; his former wife and mother of his children, Hollace L. Bristol of Flagstaff, Arizona; nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be private.

Honor Gene's memory with a contribution to The Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130-3500. The family will be requesting the funds be used toward a planting that will live on in Gene's memory.