Eugene Carranza Obituary

Eugene Carranza
September 16, 1943 - May 26, 2022
Modesto, California - Eugene (Gene) Carranza passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 26, 2022, after a battle with lung cancer. Gene was born September 16, 1943, in Mesa, AZ, at the Dana Maternity Home by a mid-wife and passed away at his home in Modesto.
His parents, Arthur and Celia Carranza, raised him to be a hardworking, conscientious person. At a young age, he mowed lawns and odd jobs for spending money. When he was in high school, he began work making cantaloupe crates and boxes. Every summer he would travel to Firebaugh and surrounding towns to work during the cantaloupe season for Corky Kroeker. Corky and his sons became like a second family to him. Gene is an alumni of Orestimba and Patterson High Schools.
Gene and his wife, Joyce, were married for almost 57 yrs. He met Joyce at Burgess Drive-In through mutual friends and they married October 23, 1965, in Carson City, NV. They had one son, Michael (wife Debbie) and two grandsons, Carson and Chase. Gene was one of the first employees to be hired at the newly opened International Paper Co., Modesto, where he worked as a maintenance mechanic for 36 yrs. until his retirement.
Gene loved to go hunting, camping, fishing and travel in his trailer with family. He was an avid car enthusiast and gardener. His hobbies included motorcycle riding, stock car racing at Stockton 99 Speedway and restoring classic cars. Gene enjoyed the summer car shows and festivals where he received numerous awards and accolades for his cars. He often spent weekends at the swap meets bartering for parts for his latest car renovation project. He restored jukeboxes, coke machines, and whatever mechanical contraption was put in front of him. Every year he looked forward to growing his tomato garden and bragging about his special growing techniques.
Gene enjoyed doing projects around his house and his son's house. He loved being home with Joyce and their beloved dogs. He enjoyed family gatherings that always included lots of laughter and great food. BBQs and watching SF Giants and 49ers with his son's family was always a good time.
Gene is survived by his wife Joyce, their son Mike Carranza, daughter-in-law Debbie, and two grandsons Carson and Chase of Modesto; his sisters Genevieve Borrelli of Hilmar, Mona Husman of Hilmar, Sandra Sanchez of Merced; his daughter Kelly King and five grandchildren Breanna, Mandy, Jessica, Ryan, Danny.
Gene was known for his kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed.
A private graveside service will be held at Modesto Citizens Cemetery.
All friends and family are invited to join in a Celebration of Life to be held on June 23, 2022, 11am, at the Redwood Cafe - 4342 Dale Rd, Modesto.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eugene Carranza's name to CovenantCare at Home Hospice, 125 N Broadway, Ste 1A, Turlock, CA 95380