Geno Hadley
Geno Ray Hadley, devoted and loving husband and father, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2022. He was 49 years old.
Geno was born on February 13, 1973, in Ogden, Utah, to Douglas Hadley and Connie Millard. He was raised in Plain City, Roy, and Ogden, Utah, and he attended Roy High School and Ben Lomond High School.
Geno was a fearless and energetic child. He was multi-talented, ambidextrous, and athletic. He knew how to throw a punch when he was two years old. Geno was a member of the breakdancing group, Chain Reaction. He carried around a special piece of linoleum that was perfect for breakdancing moves like helicopter spins, head spins, and pop-and-locks.
He excelled at every sport he played. One Little League opponent said, “I remember striking out on three fast balls from him. I was shaking in my shoes when I went up to bat.” During high school, Geno played on the varsity baseball team as pitcher (always as lucky #13) and on the varsity football team as quarterback.
Geno served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Carlsbad mission from 1994 to 1996. Serving a faithful mission was very important to Geno, and he truly wore himself out in the service of the Lord. He didn’t waste a minute of the Lord’s time.
While serving in California, Geno attended a birthday picnic for a family in the ward. There, he met the love of his life, Khirstin White. Khirstin recalled hearing Geno share a beautiful analogy that compared the hard trials of life to rock climbing, and that the Savior is always with us through our challenges. Khirstin thought to herself, “I want to marry someone like Geno.” And she did.
Geno and Khirstin were married in the San Diego Temple on May 16, 1998. They welcomed their daughter Cierra on February 19, 2000. Their son Zion was born on June 20, 2006. Geno and Khirstin’s love story is one of deep respect and admiration for one another, shared dreams and hobbies, fierce love for their kids, and an outpouring of service and devotion to the people around them. They are truly soulmates.
Maria and Julien Ortiz were welcomed additions to the Hadley family in 2011.
Geno earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah in 2006. He worked in quality assurance for software development for many years. For the last ten years, Geno has enjoyed working at 3M.
Geno loved the outdoors–fishing, (he tied his own flies), camping with his boys, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more. Khirstin loved to follow Geno on whatever outdoor adventure they dreamed up. He even taught Khirstin, a native beach girl, how to surf.
While Khirstin loved being outdoors with Geno, he also made sure to surprise her with things that were important to her- tickets to the symphony, ballet, and concerts he knew she would enjoy. Geno pays attention to what is important to the people he loves. He truly loves Khirstin and their family in the details.
Geno loved coaching his boys, Zion and Julien, in sports. His passion for coaching his boys naturally spilled over to working with other kids. His Utah Crew baseball team’s motto was, “No one better.” Every time a boy went up to the plate, that’s what Geno said to him. No matter their skill level, every kid Geno coached knew that he thought the best of them. And so it helped them see the best in themselves.
Geno’s family is overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and compassion they have received since his passing. It’s truly a testament to the man he is. He loves generously and lives with integrity.
Geno is survived by his wife, Khirstin; their children, Cierra (Luke) Shaia, Zion, and Julien; dad, Douglas, and stepmom, Diane; mom, Connie, and stepdad, Tim; and brother, Cody. Geno is preceded in death by his sister Breann.
A funeral service for Geno will be held on Monday, November 21, at 12:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 327 Long Drive in Alpine, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same address prior to the service, 10:30 am-11:30 am. Interment will be at Alpine City Cemetery.