Obituary of Eugene Szczesniak
F. Eugene (Gene) Szczesniak, 90, formerly of Rome, passed away on February 19, 2021, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville, NC, due to COVID-19.
Gene was born in Utica, NY, on May 7, 1930, a son of the late Frank and Jane Lazarek Szczesniak. He was a graduate of Holy Trinity Grade School and Boys' Trade School, and served for many years as an altar boy and member of Holy Trinity parish. At 11 years old, Gene ran an ice wagon next to his father's gas station in Utica. He worked for Utica Cutlery before he and his father operated Frank Szczesniak & Son Service Station. He also worked for G.E., Brockway, and 21 years as an electrician for Pettibone in Rome, NY. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
On August 17, 1957, Gene married the love of his life, Genevieve Lewandrowski, in Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in Rome, NY. They enjoyed 62 years of happy days together until Genevieve passed away in March 2020.
Gene was a member of the Utica Polish Home; Robak Post, Polish Legion of American Veterans (Jr. Vice Commander); Polish Falcons Nest 947 (Past President); Pol-Am Fish and Game Club (Past President); Frank J. Steczko Post, Polish American Veterans (Past Commander and Color Guard); Rome Polish Home (Director and Stock Committee); and Polish American Club (Past President).
Gene was more than a great Dad and Dziadz. He was our BEST friend who was always there for us. We loved hearing his stories from the past and the way he made everyone laugh with his great sense of humor. Gene was a devout Catholic, a great role model and hard worker, and could build and fix anything. He was very proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed singing Polish songs and dancing the polka. Gene loved being with his six grandsons and his great-grandchildren. The family always enjoyed time together and great games of "pitch." Gene lived the last six months of his life adventurously with his family in North Carolina, where he enjoyed the warm weather, boating, camping and sight-seeing. He once said, "Life was short, but I had a helluva good time!" Gene will be missed and will always live in our hearts.
Gene is survived by his daughters, Joan (John) Emilianowicz, Buffalo, NY, and Susan Szczesniak, Mooresville, NC; grandsons, John III, Michael (Jill), and Daniel Emilianowicz, Thomas, Andrew, and Dominic Anastasio; great grandchildren, Makayla, JJ, and Jack Emilianowicz; a sister, Therese (Robert) Stevener; sister-in-law, Gertrude Szczesniak; two brothers, Casimir (Karen) and Thomas Szczesniak; many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers, John X., Alvin (Anne), and Thaddeus Szczesniak.
A special thank you to his niece, Julie Slaga; cousin, Dale Zdziebko; and Joe Bien for generously giving Gene their time and assistance. The family would also like to thank Shirley, Debbie, Geanna, Rene, Brenda, Kathy Leslie, and Kenny Szczesniak. We are forever grateful!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 19th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, Rome. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Friday from 11 AM to 12 Noon prior to the Mass. Those attending are required to have a facial covering and only a limited number of people will be able to enter at a time.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.