Ex-Tar now a Hoag hero

DON CANTRELL

Eugene “Gino” Boero, a one-time powerful 240-pound guard for Newport

Harbor High football teams (1949-51), is now shining admirably in the

medical world.

Boero, 70, has been a valued volunteer worker for the past four

years at Hoag Hospital and is now taking on an added responsibility

that is sparking a superb challenge.

He has been named vice president of special events for the Hoag

Hospital Auxiliary and is currently helping chart colorful plans for

the next project, honoring veteran volunteers.

“Some may not believe it, but some of these wonderful people have

contributed volunteer work for 25 to 40 years, which is a remarkable

achievement,” Boero said. “And they are most deserving of a high

tribute.”

Boero, who is also a Daily Pilot Sports Hall of Famer, said the

huge awards program will be staged April 14 at the Hyatt Regency

Hotel in Huntington Beach. An estimated 250 members are expected to

attend.

Boero and his late father, “Papa” Gino, owned and operated a

couple of Italian restaurants in the harbor area for years. Both have

left fond memories of compassion and generous contributions to the

community.

After he sold the noted Gino’s on the Hill restaurant in Costa

Mesa some years back, Boero did not choose to retire and do nothing.

Hence, he turned to Hoag and initially chose to tour the hallways,

serving coffee and tea to the visitors of patients, which was a

welcomed gesture.

In time, he learned that the hospital also needed a sympathetic

and perceptive individual who could spend meaningful time with

friends and family members while loved ones were undergoing surgery.

“This is really important,” Boero said, “since comfort and

understanding is vital during intense periods. Sometimes an operation

can consume hours,” he said.

*

Work came early in life for Boero and he recalls his father

calling on him to learn how to make and bake Italian bread when he

was 9 years old. As time passed, his dad had him learning many phases

of operating a large kitchen.

His father also introduced him to an early day program of private

schooling.

Boero seemed pleased to finally enroll at a public school like

Harbor High and find the opportunity to play football right off as a

240-pound sophomore.

He was strong enough to match up with the senior veterans and

became a noted defensive boost for the great 1949 team, which went

8-1 and scored 323 points.

Boero also loved the humor. He recalled one hilarious yarn that

came from the late Al Muniz. He said Muniz remembered one lineman

from Carpenteria in 1948 “who was a dumb guy who couldn’t remember

his plays and would ask his quarterback in Spanish at the line to

repeat the plays.

He added, “Well, Al could understand Spanish so the rival team was

astonished to constantly find Muniz stationed right where the ball

carrier was heading.” Note: Yes, Newport won the game.

Some of Boero’s gridmates also recall his impressive talent in

boxing rings in and out of the school gym. One fellow laughed one day

and remarked to a pal, “Hey, don’t ever take Gino up on an invitation

to his cellar boxing ring. You may regret it.”

One of his most memorable nights in 1949 came when a teammate

named John Kingston, who ran on the field at a clear point and gave

him a rousing hug.

“He knew by the clock that I had just earned my first varsity

letter and wanted to extend congratulations,” Boero said.