Omar A. Gigena

Omar Alfredo Gigena, born July 11, 1935 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, died peacefully at his home in Cameron Park, California on January 3, 2016. Omar had been very healthy throughout his life up until he was diagnosed with cancer in October 2015. Omar was one of three children born to Margarita Diaz and Omar Maria Gigena. His father was an officer in the Argentine Navy who died at sea when Omar was just 12 years old. Omar took it upon himself to help his mother support the family and, after finishing the 6th grade, he started working as a Page at an office and attending night school. His hard work and mind for numbers led him to a successful career in the banking industry before he immigrated to the United States in 1965. He did not speak English when he arrived here and earned a living as a day laborer for a short time in Los Angeles before re-entering the banking industry. Omar later moved to northern California and started his own landscape architecture business, designing outdoor living spaces and landscapes throughout El Dorado and Sacramento counties. Throughout his life Omar was an avid athlete. In Argentina he was a fierce competitor in the Bigua Rugby Club and played soccer. He also enjoyed the experience of bicycle racing and rally racing. He continued playing soccer in the United States and took up long distance running and participated in many marathons in the Los Angeles area. He also loved hosting Argentine barbecues, socializing with family and friends and dancing the tango with his wife, Julia (Zully) Llerias. He was blessed with an artistic nature, a sense of humor and a love of nature. Omar and Julia were married for 60 years. They are the parents of Jorge, Marcelo, Marisa and Danny, grandparents of 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother Oscar Gigena and a grand-daughter, Sarah Gigena. His younger sister Margarita (Pirucha) Gigena de Agnone lives in Argentina. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Omar had faith that he would be reunited with his loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at 10:30 AM Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3431 Hacienda Drive , Cameron Park, California, 95682. Memorial Service JAN 16. 10:30 AM Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3431 Hacienda Drive Cameron Park, California, US, 95682