Gene Kazuo Kurose
October 8, 1949 — February 28, 2023
Gene Kazuo Kurose, 73, was born in Los Angeles, California on October 8, 1949 to parents Roy Yoshinobu Kurose and Mitsuye Masuda Kurose.
On September 9, 1972, Gene married the love of his life, Maria Luz Ordorica, whom he affectionately called “Lucha.” Together, they raised three wonderful sons. Gene was a loyal family man — very private and mostly introverted, but warm, welcoming, and unfailingly committed to those he loved most dearly.
While Gene certainly enjoyed his leisure time — generally spent gardening, cooking, or watching his favorite sports teams on TV — his work ethic was unquestionable. He believed in working hard to provide for his family; he was employed by the Coca-Cola Company for over a decade, then spent 15 years as a special education teacher for the Montebello Unified School District, where he retired in 2012.
In the years since his retirement, Gene and Maria Luz grew closer than ever, and said they were the happiest they’d ever been. Already blessed with two grandchildren, in the years following Gene’s retirement, they would see their family double in size, with marriages of two more sons and the birth of five more grandchildren.
Gene lived for his family, and he lived for his wife. In his final years, his health issues became more complex, with repeated hospital visits and various procedures — and through it all, Luz was at his side. She cared for him however he needed and loved him unconditionally. The only thing she asked — a heartfelt wish — was that he fight to stick around long enough to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Love prevailed, and Gene granted his wife’s wish. On September 10, 2022 (one day after their official 50th anniversary), Gene and Maria Luz renewed their wedding vows in front of their friends and family; they danced, they laughed, and they celebrated their undying love and commitment to one another — a love that repeatedly endured despite outside adversity, and a love so strong that it defied science and medicine.
Our Heavenly Father called Gene home just five months later, on February 28th, 2023 in Montebello, California.
Gene’s legacy is a strong, loyal, and loving family. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves behind three sons of whom he was incredibly proud: two doctors and an engineer, all happily married and raising beautiful families of their own. Gene was a firm but fair father — tough at times, but always motivated out of love. He was a good man, and he raised his sons to be good men: good husbands, good fathers, and good human beings.
Though Gene has been called home, he will remain forever in the hearts and fondest memories of those who love him.
Gene is survived by his loving family: Wife– Maria Luz Kurose; Children– Keith (and Marilyn) Kurose, Eric (and Cindy) Kurose, Brian (and Cynthia) Kurose; Grandchildren– Kairi, Seth, Eli, Nathan, Amaya, Andy, and Aly.
Gene was reunited at the gates of Heaven with his parents, Roy and Mitsuye Kurose, and his beloved dog, Chacho.
Condolences for the family may be sent through the Risher Mortuary website.
On September 9, 1972, Gene married the love of his life, Maria Luz Ordorica, whom he affectionately called “Lucha.” Together, they raised three wonderful sons. Gene was a loyal family man — very private and mostly introverted, but warm, welcoming, and unfailingly committed to those he loved most dearly.
While Gene certainly enjoyed his leisure time — generally spent gardening, cooking, or watching his favorite sports teams on TV — his work ethic was unquestionable. He believed in working hard to provide for his family; he was employed by the Coca-Cola Company for over a decade, then spent 15 years as a special education teacher for the Montebello Unified School District, where he retired in 2012.
In the years since his retirement, Gene and Maria Luz grew closer than ever, and said they were the happiest they’d ever been. Already blessed with two grandchildren, in the years following Gene’s retirement, they would see their family double in size, with marriages of two more sons and the birth of five more grandchildren.
Gene lived for his family, and he lived for his wife. In his final years, his health issues became more complex, with repeated hospital visits and various procedures — and through it all, Luz was at his side. She cared for him however he needed and loved him unconditionally. The only thing she asked — a heartfelt wish — was that he fight to stick around long enough to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Love prevailed, and Gene granted his wife’s wish. On September 10, 2022 (one day after their official 50th anniversary), Gene and Maria Luz renewed their wedding vows in front of their friends and family; they danced, they laughed, and they celebrated their undying love and commitment to one another — a love that repeatedly endured despite outside adversity, and a love so strong that it defied science and medicine.
Our Heavenly Father called Gene home just five months later, on February 28th, 2023 in Montebello, California.
Gene’s legacy is a strong, loyal, and loving family. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves behind three sons of whom he was incredibly proud: two doctors and an engineer, all happily married and raising beautiful families of their own. Gene was a firm but fair father — tough at times, but always motivated out of love. He was a good man, and he raised his sons to be good men: good husbands, good fathers, and good human beings.
Though Gene has been called home, he will remain forever in the hearts and fondest memories of those who love him.
Gene is survived by his loving family: Wife– Maria Luz Kurose; Children– Keith (and Marilyn) Kurose, Eric (and Cindy) Kurose, Brian (and Cynthia) Kurose; Grandchildren– Kairi, Seth, Eli, Nathan, Amaya, Andy, and Aly.
Gene was reunited at the gates of Heaven with his parents, Roy and Mitsuye Kurose, and his beloved dog, Chacho.
Condolences for the family may be sent through the Risher Mortuary website.
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