Obit: March 30, 1962 -- Gene Camozzi Dies at 64

Gene Camozzi Dies at 64


Eugene (Gene) Joseph Camozzi, 64, 2023 La Salle drive, pioneer San Mateo resident and well-known local baseball player in the earlier days, found dead at his home this morning of an apparent sudden heart attack.

Employed by the Pacific Gas & Electric company for some 45 years, he was due to retire shortly as service manager.


San Mateo old-timers received news of his death in shock and sadness at what they described as “a great loss not only for his many friends, but for the community.”

Ex-big league player Tom Casey, former operator of Casey's, 236 B street, now Malley's said, “He was a great guy to have on your team or at your side any time.”

Casey and Camozzi composed the big winning battery of the old San Mateo Blues in the California State League. Casey was the catcher and Camozzi the pitcher. City Cler William J. O'Farrel and William Crosby recalled. “Between the two of them they knocked Burlingame and out-of-town teams, including San Francisco cold.”

Casey recalled that Camozzi, a native of San Francisco, came to San mateo about 1917, when he went to work for the PG&E. He played for the San Mateo Blues and became a top protege of the late Big League player Justin Fitzgerald, after whom Fitzgerald ball park was named in downtown San Mateo.

For several years he played in the California State League and he and Casey together played in the Valley league at Fresno, 1923-24

Prior to this period, Casey was called by the Cincinnati Reds, where he was catcher, and from there was transferred to Terre Haute of the Three-I league. He sent word for Camozzi to join him. Which he did. However, Camozzi was married a short time later and although he received an offer from Detroit, he preferred to return to San Mateo.

Camozzi's colorful baseball career included playing in the old outlaw Federal league which automatically banned any professional ballplayer from American and National league competition for a period of time.

Camozzi is survived by a son and daughter. Mrs. Camozzi died several years ago. Fruneral services are pending at Crosby-N-Gray chapel.

(Corrections:  Gene was too young to have played in the Federal league. And he was survived by two sons and a daughter.)
 
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