Born March 12, 1935, in Gaeta, Italy. Gene passed peacefully Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family. Gene is survived by his wife, Frances Marie (Gobiel), sons Eugene (KK Meigs) and David (Lynne Gifford), and daughters Ann Marie (Larry Webster), Denise (Steve Bellah), Michelle (Dale Traficante, M.D.), Karen, and Jennifer (Michael Beaudoin), 20 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his son Michael (Corina Trujillo), grandson Ryan, parents Romolo and Maria (DiMaggio), and sisters Theresa (Caliri) and Mary (Delaney). When Gene was three years old his family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. The family settled in Somerville, Massachusetts, where Gene grew up. At the age of 17, Gene joined the Navy and proudly served his country with integrity and honor until his retirement in 1970. While in the Navy, Gene obtained his master’s degrees in Engineering, Math, and Science, as well as attended Nuclear Power school. He graduated from Boston University with top honors. After retiring from the Navy, Gene worked in the glass industry in New York, Alabama, and Arizona. He opened his own family-run electrical company, and later he became a professor, teaching Math at ASU and the University of Phoenix. Gene was introduced to Fran through a mutual couple. All it took was a look and a smile, and it was love at first sight. They recently celebrated their 66th anniversary in July. Together they raised a large family which continues to grow with endless love. While living in Big Flats, NY where the ballpark was the main attraction in the small town, Gene taught his kids how to play ball. He umpired, announced games, or coached his kids from the sideline. Gene also initiated Pee Wee baseball and Powder Puff softball programs so his younger children could play. Gene loved the outdoors. Sundays were often spent with family time at the lake house. Oh, the memories that were created there! After church the family would run home, change clothes, and head to the lake. On the way there, they stopped at KFC for two buckets of chicken, yes, two! Once they arrived, the air was immediately filled with shouts of laughter. The family would swim, waterski, fish, and ride in their boat, “Tranquility”. There was so much love around. In 1978, Gene moved his family to Arizona. Quickly, Kiwanis Park became the new hangout. The family played softball there for years where Gene was a pitcher who played well into his 60’s! Kiwanis was where the family celebrated holidays, special occasions, and often picnicked. The family will be meeting at Kiwanis Park on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate Gene’s life. Please join us. Bring your own picnic, a glove, and enjoy the outdoors. In lieu of flowers and in his honor, please donate a tree in a National Park of your choice. https://www.thegiftedtree.com