UPPER LAKE— On Saturday the Lake County Silver Foundation joined with the Paleno family and friends at the county park in Upper Lake to remember and honor a Lake County great, Gene Paleno, whose book, “Lake County History – A Mystical Adventure in Time,” is a favorite among locals. A special engraved bench was dedicated in his honor.
A veteran of WWII, author of many books, and community leader, Paleno was remembered as a paragon of virtue. He gave back to the community he loved in many ways and in so doing inspired others to do so as well. “He’s the reason I’m on the West Region Town Hall Council,” said his friend and neighbor Linda Alexander.
Former County Supervisor Jim Steele remembered meeting Paleno at a Civil War Roundtable – a group that met monthly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war that lasted four years. Himself a history buff, Steele and Paleno had similar interests. “His knowledge of that time in history was impressive,” Steele said. “We became friends and allies in many ways and particularly in our advocacy for senior citizens. He was a founding member of the Silver Foundation and later I appointed Gene to chair the West Region Town Hall.”
Steele went on to say that Paleno drew inspiration for his book “The Porter Conspiracy,” from those Civil War Roundtable discussions. An injustice was done to General Porter who was stripped of his honor and fought for 20 years to get justice. “Gene’s book is not just a history book – when you read it you find yourself transported into moments in time that shaped our country,” Steele said. “I dare say if history books were written in the style of Gene Paleno, our kids would read more.”
County Supervisor E.J. Crandell said he met with Paleno regularly to review “Gene’s list.” “I learned quickly that Gene was a force to be reckoned with – he was dedicated to getting things done for the community, often appearing before the Board of Supervisors to advocate for important projects.” Supervisor Crandell credited Paleno for stopping one particular project – an unwanted commercial store that did not fit with the character of Upper Lake. Crandell said Paleno pulled the community together, simply declaring, “this will not stand!” “Of course, he prevailed,” Crandell said.
Lake County Record Bee Managing Editor Ariel Carmona said he had fond memories of working with Paleno who contributed a biweekly column to the paper. “He would sometimes drop by unannounced at our old office off south Main Street, but I always made sure to carve out some time to talk to him. He was always full of energy and cheer and made all the staff members happy to see him. He was also quite serious about his duties on the Town Hall Council and would make sure to give frequent updates about the community projects he was working on and which he felt passionate about.”
Carmona remembers fondly an idea Paleno once had for the paper. “He was really excited about it, it was a twist on the old advice column, but instead of Gene answering questions from letter writers, the advice would come from his cat Cleo. I thought it was the most humorous column pitch I had heard in quite some time. Of course, it was written in the unmistakable style Gene was already known for.”
Paleno’s Lake County friends learned about his life before settling in Lake County with his beloved late wife, Janette. His daughters Dolly, Christina, Virginia, and son all shared tidbits of Paleno as a father and inspiration. “It was in the last two decades of his life that he really blossomed,” said Paleno’s oldest daughter, Virginia. She shared a story told to her by her mother.
“When dad finished college, he became a teacher and his IQ was tested. We always knew dad was really smart but we were surprised to learn his IQ was 200, immeasurable,” she said. As for the bench, daughter Christina said, “I can see myself sitting on it, visiting with daddy.”
It took two years to finalize the bench installation and dedication. The County installed the bench and with donations, the Silver Foundation had it engraved with words from Paleno’s family and a picture of his best friend, Cleo – the cat he wrote about in his book, Cleo Chronicles, and who was his companion, helping him through his grief after losing his wife.
Many others spoke of Paleno – as a historian, a frequent speaker at civic organizations, a radio personality and as a kind gentleman who always had something positive to say. Carolyn Jarrett described him as a consummate gentleman who was “other person oriented.” Ginger Kite messaged to say, “What good memories of a man who made a difference and loved his community.” Craig Purcell added, “Good man, great historian, especially on Lake County, and a valued friend.” Tim Chiara, current Chair of the West Region Town Hall, described Paleno as man of accomplishment, vision, compassion and an inspiration to all.
The ceremony ended with a reading inscribed on the bench. “The only thing we will be remembered for when we leave this small blue planet is what we have done for other people.” -Gene Paleno, 1926 – 2021
The Silver Foundation thanks all who attended the memorial and sent messages. “And special thanks to the County, the family, and Silver Foundation Board Member, Sam Euston, for recording the event,” Steele said.
The video-taped ceremony is available on YouTube: http://youtu.be/tsU43qrDaJ4. For more information about the Silver Foundation, visit the website, lakecountysilverfoundation.com or call 707-295-6198.
