Cassanese, Eugene L. Jr., 69, (Gene) Richland Township, passed away June 9 at home. Born January 24, 1951 in Johnstown. Son of the late Eugene L. Sr. and Constance (Pantano) Cassanese. Also preceded in death by brother George Cassanese. Survived by loving wife of 20 years Patricia (Kovach) Cassanese and those who knew him as “Pops”, B.J. Watkins married to Shannon, Windber; Vicky Carnicella married to Jim, Apopka, Florida; and Lory Borischak married to Mike, Windber; as well as those that knew him as “Pappy Gene”, Nicole Novitsky married to Tom, Brandon Onuschak married to Michelle, Hannah Borischak and Brady Watkins. Also survived by Brother Joseph Cassanese, Davidsville; Nieces Stephanie and Heather; great nephews, Zachary and Connor and great niece Kaitlyn. Gene served State and Country his entire life working in the State prison system and for LCB as well as serving in the Air Force, National Guard and was a U.S. Marine Veteran serving during Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange ultimately leading to health issues. Gene was devoted to taking care of his mother and brother George after his father passed away at a young age. Gene loved his yearly trips to Florida and was an excellent marksman with any type of gun in his hand. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber, American-Polish Education Club, Slovak Club, Polish Falcons, Windber American Legion Post 137, and a lifetime member of the VFW where he proudly served with the funeral ritual team. The family would like to especially thank very special friend Rick Burgess, the Windber VFW and Windber American Legion, as well as hospice nurses Danyelle and Heather for their care and support of Gene and our family during his lengthy illness. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until time of Service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, with Fr. Rod Soha, T.O.R. at Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home, Windber. Committal following at St. Anthony of Padua church cemetery. Military honors accorded by the Windber VFW. In lieu of flowers the family requests that all donations be made to Windber Hospice. www.meekfuneralhome.com
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