Obituary

Gene Allen Nuziard

Gene Allen Nuziard, a devoted husband, respected leader, and community-minded individual, passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2024. A man of exceptional character and unwavering dedication, Gene touched the lives of countless people. Gene lived by the motto, “There’s a time to learn, a time to earn, and a time to return,” and he embodied this philosophy throughout his life. He was constantly learning, working hard, and giving back to his community.

Born on November 9th, 1928, on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, to Antoine Nuziard of France and Bernice McWilliams from El Paso, Illinois, Gene was Baptized in the Methodist Church and raised in a working-class family.  He attended Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration. He credited the university with developing his critical thinking skills, which were crucial to his success in the business world. In 1997, he was honored with the “Distinguished Alumnus Award,” and in 2018, he established the Gene ’50 and Marilyn Nuziard Scholarship, his largest scholarship endowment.

Gene was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War, and following his military service, he attended the American Institute of Baking and Science Technology. It was here that he met Marilyn, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Northwestern University. Starting as a baker, his talent and ambition propelled him to leadership roles, culminating in his position as Vice President of the Western Region for I.T.T. Continental Baking Company, in particular the Hostess Cake and Wonder Bread Division. He was a giant in the industry, known for his business acumen and compassionate spirit. Gene’s professional journey spanned 50 years. He and Marilyn’s shared intellectual curiosity and commitment to their community were the cornerstones of their enduring love story, leading to their marriage in 1956.

Gene played a pivotal role in various capacities in both philanthropy and community service. Gene served as chairman of the board for Queen of Angels-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and later for QueensCare. He and Marilyn committed substantial time and resources to QueensCare and St. Joseph’s Health Support Alliance. Gene’s selfless service extended to his election to the board of St. Joseph’s Health Support Alliance, where he served on numerous committees until shortly before his death. Both organizations owe much of their success to Gene’s dedication and wise counsel.

Gene was true to his motto, “Learn, Earn, Return.” He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Marilyn, along with numerous relatives and friends. We will miss him dearly.

Due to Marilyn’s health, a memorial ceremony honoring Gene will be announced later, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to QueensCare.org or Illinois Wesleyan University at IWU.edu in Gene’s memory.