Mr. Eugene "Gene" F. Militello

MARCY - Mr. Eugene “Gene” F. Militello, of Marcy, passed away at the age of 77 on December 8, 2020, at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare after a courageous battle. Born in Rome, NY on December 6, 1943, Eugene was the son of the late Anthony and Rose (Felice) Militello. He was educated in Rome and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. After graduation, Eugene enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served 20 years. He completed a world tour at sea on the USS Long Beach where he served as a Radioman and enjoyed telling stories about the countries he visited. He also served and completed a Southern Hemisphere tour on the USS Farragut. For ten years, he worked as a Navy recruiter in Rome, NY where he enlisted countless individuals into service. His service to his country was a special honor and one in which he took great pride. He earned his degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in 1984 and worked as a Systems Engineer in computers until retirement in 2005. Eugene was also a beloved adjunct professor at MVCC for many years. He taught electrical code and wiring for years, and robotics for a short period of time. His devotion to his job and teaching profession precedes him. For several years, Gene was co-owner, and chef of Milo’s Banquet Hall of Utica and was well known for his superior cooking skills. Everyone who tried Gene’s sauce and meatballs raved about how delicious there were. He was an avid baker and made the traditional Italian Christmas cookie trays every holiday season. Gene enjoyed this very much and loved sharing his cookie trays with many people. He loved cooking for his family, especially sauce on Sundays and the annual Thanksgiving at “Uncle Gene’s.” Cooking and sharing his meals brought him much joy and people always looked forward to his wonderful meals and treats. Gene was very close with his two brothers and enjoyed spending time with them, especially their weekly lunch gatherings. He cherished the relationship he had with his brothers and how close they were. He was involved in numerous activities, clubs, and organizations. Gene was an avid golfer and ran multiple golf leagues. He enjoyed playing golf and organizing outings, always working tirelessly to ensure every event was a success. He was Commander of the Whitestown Veterans of WWII Club. He took great pride in the Vets Club organization and worked tirelessly to ensure the establishment was always taken care of properly. He devoted many hours cooking, cleaning, creating lasting friendships, and participating in all the club’s various activities. “Geno” was loved by all who met him. Eugene shared a 31 year blessed union with his wife, Jerrine Militello who passed in 2005. Gene was a doting and loving husband who took special care of the love of his life for many years during her illness. Throughout their marriage, he provided constant support, strength, and selfless acts of generosity and kindness; he was always by Jerrine’s side. They shared a wonderful marriage and partnership, and are now joined together for eternity. Gene was an amazing father and grandfather. He was present at every concert, sporting event, graduation, and ceremony; he was a constant support and tower of strength, and the best friend any daughter could ever hope for. He was the most thoughtful and kind father and was always there for his children. He was the most generous and devoted father one could ever be blessed with. Gene loved being a “Grampa”, and was so proud of his granddaughters. They were the apple of his eye, and he simply adored them. He especially loved teaching his granddaughters how to make meatballs, cookies, and cannolis, earning him the name “Papa Cookie!” He loved spending time with his family and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a hard worker and a cherished friend who will be missed dearly. Gene had a loving spirit and his smile and laughter lit up every room. He was a great man whose memory will live on forever. Eugene is survived by his loving daughters, Gina Leech and son-in-law William “Cliff” Leech; Andrea Militello Graves and son-in-law Kyle Graves; adopted children from a previous marriage, William “Bucky” Devaney, Tabitha Dunn; granddaughters, Remy and Emerson Graves; and cherished siblings, brothers, Carl Militello, and William Militello; and sister-in-law, Sara Militello; nieces, nephews and their families, Gabrielle and Scott Yerdon, Michelle and Henry Bick, Michael and Jenn Militello, Carl and Angela Militello, Debbie and Rick Semeraro, Laurie and Peter Laterza, Christina D’Ambro, Anthony and Tonya Militello, Rosemarie and Kevin Moore, Louis and Tammy Henry, Jody Henry, and Karen and Dave Hartnett; and many dear friends who are too numerous to list. He also had a special relationship with his friend Kris. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Rosalie and Louis Henry. The family is grateful to the doctors and nurses at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare/ICU for the care and compassion rendered to Eugene. Due to the COVID-19 crisis and being aware of everyone’s safety, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Eugene’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the U.S. Navy. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required, and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Eugene’s name may be directed by mail to the Whitestown Vets Club, 174 Whitesboro St., Yorkville, NY 13495; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place graveside in Forest Hill Cemetery. Post COVID, his daughters will be holding a Memorial Service in Eugene’s honor. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Eugene’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. Eugene "Gene" F. Militello

December 6, 1943 - December 8, 2020