On Monday, January 25, 2021, Justice Eugene Milton Premo passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Eugene was born on August 28, 1936 to Dr. Milton A. Premo and Mary Teresa (Fatjo) Premo. He was raised in San Jose, California with his three siblings.  He attended St. Leo's School, Bellarmine (1953), and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Santa Clara (1957). His Jesuit education would influence his personal and professional life in the years to come.

In 1950 he met his future wife, Georgine Drees at The Butano. They were married in 1959 at the Church of the Nativity and were fortunate to enjoy 62 years of marriage, a tribute to the great life they made together.

After serving in the US Army Intelligence for 2 years, Justice Premo enrolled in the Santa Clara School of Law. He served as Editor in Chief for The Santa Clara Law Review. He graduated law school 2nd in his class, an accomplishment of which he was immensely proud.

In 1969, Gov. Ronald Reagan appointed Justice Premo to the Municipal Court, the youngest member of the bar to be appointed in Santa Clara County. He was named to the Superior Court in 1974. He served in the capacity of Presiding Judge and was named to the Commission on Judicial Performance, both roles he embraced with a commitment of service and duty.  In 1988, Gov. Deukmejian appointed him to the 6th District Court of Appeal. He retired in 2021, a career that spanned 51 years on the bench. He was an institution in Santa Clara County legal circles. He was a mentor to many and a respected supporter of those with whom he worked. His fellow jurists and court staff became extended family over the years. He respected and valued all of them.

While law gave him focus and a richly rewarding career, it was his family and Catholic faith that were the true beacon in his life. He was an active and dedicated supporter of his four children's and nine grandchildren's schools and activities, showing up for every game and school event.

Many of us will remember Justice Premo as an accomplished jurist with a brilliant legal mind. Others remember his engaging smile and dry sense of humor. Many will recall his dedicated and enthusiastic fan support. He was proud of all that he accomplished and grateful to those who were there beside him.

Justice Premo is survived by his wife Georgine, his sister Florence Ziemann, his four children, Nicole Mesler (Herb), Michelle Walsh (Brian), Patrick Premo, and Richard Premo (Suzanne), his nine grandchildren and many more that were an important part of his family life. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Premo, his siblings Roberta Enright and John Premo, in-laws Dr. Lawler and Leonie Drees, and Dick and Jane Drees.

Funeral services will be held outdoors at St. Mary's Church in Los Gatos on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00 am. Mass will be live streamed on the St. Mary's website.