Meet Gene Jajuga: Respected Grand Knight and Esteemed Community Leader

Gene Jajuga, a distinguished member of the Barney Gonyea Council 7109 at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church and School in Safety Harbor, Florida, is currently serving as the Grand Knight of the council. With a long-standing commitment to the Knights of Columbus, Gene has held various significant positions in both the council and assembly.

In the assembly, Gene has served as Faithful Pilot, Faithful Captain, Faithful Navigator, Faithful Admiral, and presently holds one of the three Trustee positions within the Assembly, where he is also part of the Fourth Degree Assembly Color Corps.

Within the council, Gene’s dedication to service is equally evident. He previously served as Deputy Grand Knight and is currently in his second year as Grand Knight, contributing to the council’s growth and success. Furthermore, Gene worked directly for the Knights of Columbus headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, as a Fraternal Benefits Advisor in Pinellas County.

Originally from Massachusetts, Gene and his wife Karen have been devoted members of Espiritu Santo for 28 years, ever since their move to Florida in 1995. They actively participate in the parish community, serving as Eucharistic Ministers and Sacristans for two decades, often seen at the 4:00 PM Mass on Saturdays. Gene also dedicated his time to the Parish Pastoral Council.

Gene and Karen currently reside in Oldsmar, FL. They are the proud parents of three children: their oldest son Kevin, who resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida, with his wife Jennifer and their four grandchildren – Jackson, Annabelle, Benjamin, and Merideth; son Shawn, with his wife Pattie, living in West Bend, Wisconsin; and their youngest, Daughter Kimberly, with her husband Greg, and their grandchildren Jakob, Maxwell, and Samuel, residing in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Throughout his career, Gene has worked in consumer product sales, representing renowned brands such as Hoover, Oster, Melitta, and Progressive International. His career trajectory spanned various roles, from Field Sales Representative to District Manager, Director of Sales, National Sales Manager, and Vice President of Sales, beginning in 1969.

Outside his professional life, Gene’s passion for sports is undeniable, hailing from Massachusetts and an avid fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics. He is also an enthusiastic golfer, co-chairing the annual Knights of Columbus Assembly – Gary Sinise Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. As a member of the East Lake Woodlands Country Club, he enjoys golfing and manages a Saturday morning golf group. Gene is an integral part of the Leadership Teams for the PGA Valspar Championship Golf Tournament at Innis-brook and the LPGA Women’s Championship Golf Tournament at the Pelican Club in Belleair, FL.

Gene Jajuga’s unwavering commitment to faith, community service, and leadership makes him a respected Grand Knight and esteemed community leader, leaving a lasting impact on those he serves and the organizations he supports.