Eugene (“Gino”) Elsea

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah 6:8

Eugene (“Gino”) Elsea passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, in Fairfax, Virginia after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 67 years old. He lived a life of courage, integrity, selflessness, and love. He was a devoted follower of Jesus.

Growing up in northern New Jersey, Gino enlisted in the Army when he was eighteen years old. He loved his Army days. He excelled in his job and quickly stood out as a leader and a man with exceptional skills. His assignments included deployments in hostile countries. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) after 20 years in the Army. The next week, Gino began working as a civilian at the Defense Department where he worked for the next 20 years.

During his career at the Defense Department, Gino worked tirelessly defending our country. He volunteered and deployed to Iraq during the sectarian civil war in 2006. He received commendations from the highest levels of our government for his extraordinary achievements supporting national security. Gino was a true expert in his field and his work had great impact. He was highly valued within national and international communities.

Outside of work, Gino loved riding his bike and loved his cycling brothers. One epic cycling accomplishment was participating in the Race Across America (RAAM) in 2013 on Team Green Beret Foundation. Racing from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD, their four-man team won first place in their age group, riding 3,000 miles in 6 days, 22 hours, and 48 minutes.

One of the guiding principles in Gino’s life was responding to the call to serve. That is why Isaiah 6:8 resonated so deeply with him. He viewed his military and government service as a calling, not just a job. To him, that meant he would go to the ends of the earth to protect those who could not defend themselves. In 2003, he came to know Jesus personally and this verse became even more meaningful to him. He was called to serve the Lord in all that he did.

In 2015, Gino retired from the government and shifted gears from work to giving back. This was a time of growth, rejuvenation, and new missions. Gino became involved in ministry to refugees and mission trips. He traveled extensively, especially cherishing trips to Israel. He also completed his Bachelor of Arts in Theology and began a Master of Arts in Early Church History. A natural musician, he enjoyed playing his guitar; he also spent countless hours doing in-depth genealogical research. Most of all, he treasured time with family and friends. Gino was a beloved husband, proud father, stepfather, and grandpa, and fiercely loyal friend.

Gino is survived by his devoted wife of 17 years, Carol Mount, his daughter and son from his first marriage, Cassandra Cox (Robert) and James Elsea (Aleks), and his two stepsons, David Mount (Kirsten) and Andrew Mount (Allison). Other survivors include his mother, Betty Elsea (Charlie Joe, deceased), sister, Betty Linke (John), two brothers, Charlie Joe Elsea (Linda) and John Elsea (Beth); eight grandchildren: Jesse and Jeremy Cox; Tatum, Nolan and Hollis Elsea; and Isaac, Samuel and John Mount; his sister-in-law, Linda Tiernan (Raymond, deceased) and six nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on November 8, 2024, at 11am at Cornerstone, An Evangelical Free Church, 3901 Gallows Rd., Annandale, VA. Gino’s interment at Arlington Cemetery will take place in 12-14 months where he will be laid to rest with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone, An Evangelical Free Church. Gino served on the Outreach Committee at Cornerstone even during his final days.

https://cornerstoneefree.org/…

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/gino-elsea/obituary/

Copy