Regina Gennaro Obituary

Regina Louise O'Hazza Gennaro Rock Hill, SC - Regina Louise O'Hazza Gennaro, formerly of Charleston, South Carolina, died peacefully in her sleep the morning of March 19, 2021. Her husband, Robert C. Gennaro, preceded her in death in 1995. Regina was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Anna (Wargo) and Gregory (Harry) O'Hazza. A graduate of Hazle Township High School, she attended New York University and Pace College before accepting employment in the reservations and ticket office of American Airlines in New York City. During her tenure at American, she also oversaw the Admirals Club where, in addition to Presidents Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy, she met dignitaries from all over the world. She became a personal friend of Carlos P. Romulo, then President of the United Nations General Assembly, and his family. She rose to become Passenger Service Manager for American's operations in New York City airports, as well as ticket offices in the Waldorf Astoria and Americana Hotels. Eventually based out of Puerto Rico, Regina became Instructor of Passenger Services for travel agents, skycaps, and airport and city personnel in the New York, New Jersey and Caribbean areas served by American. During her time in New York City, she also volunteered at Manhattan Hospital. She and her husband eventually returned to Hazleton, where she volunteered with the American Red Cross, becoming Board Chairman of the local chapter. She was appointed representative to the Red Cross Mid-Atlantic division, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Women's Clubs (Hazleton), the American Business Women's Association, and the League of Women Voters. Regina and Robert retired to Charleston where, along with Robert's brother and nephews, the family opened Gennaro's Ristorante. She served on the Coalition for the Lowcountry Senior Center, was on the Board of Directors of the Center, then became President of the Friends of the Lowcountry Senior Center. She also served on the Advisory Board. Regina was a member of the Charleston Lions Club and was the Charleston County representative and coordinator for the S.C. Lions Charitable Services in Columbia. During her time there, their mobile unit locally screened well over 2,000 students for vision and hearing. She was docent for the Charleston Preservation Society's house tours as well as ticket office volunteer. She also was docent and volunteer for the Historic Charleston Foundation and was on staff at the Aiken Rhett House. For many years she volunteered at the renowned Charleston Spoleto festivals. She is survived by stepdaughters, Carole Gennaro Lazur (Jim) and their children and grandchildren, and Robin Gennaro Robertson (Jon); sister, Eleanor O'Hazza Matz and nephew, Gregory N. Matz (Carol) and niece, Regina Matz Kahoe (Frank) all of Pennsylvania, and niece, Rosanne Matz Sabisch; and nephews, Michael (Linda) and Robert A. Gennaro (Angie), all of South Carolina, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Prior to relocating two years ago to Rock Hill, South Carolina, to be with her niece, Rosanne, Regina was an active member of Old St. Andrew's Parish Church in Charleston and considered its parishioners her church family. A Celebration of Life will be held at her church Monday, March 29th at 3:00 PM with interment in the church cemetery. The service will be livedstreamed and can be viewed at www.oldstandrews.org. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Regina's name may be made to Old St. Andrew's Parish Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, S.C. 29414. Condolences may be sent to www.greenefuneralhome.net. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston