Eugene Anthony Columbo

Eugene Anthony Columbo, cherished husband, devoted father, doting Papere, and steadfast friend — known to everyone as Gene — passed away peacefully at home in Falls Church, VA, on June 9, 2025. Gene was born in Dallas, TX, to Marie and Frank Columbo. His family traveled from Little Rock, AR, to Philadelphia, PA, and settled in Broomall, PA, where he was raised. As a child, he loved spending summers in Lexington, MA, with his Auntie Viv and Uncle John. He graduated from Assumption College in 1964 with a degree in Political Science. Gene spent two years studying in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Paris, France, on a Rotary Scholarship, mastering the French language. He served his country with quiet courage in the U.S. Army in Kanchanaburi, Thailand — an experience that deepened the compassion, patience, and gratitude he carried all his life. He graduated from Temple University in 1971 with an MBA and from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1991.

In 1977, he married Karen Pollock, who shared his love of travel, skiing, and the beach. Together they raised three children as his distinguished career took him to Cherry Hill, NJ; North Potomac, MD; Paris, France; Boston, MA; and Brussels, Belgium, working for the U.S. Postal Service, International Post Corporation, BearingPoint, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Aspen Institute, and Pitney Bowes. Whether improving operations, mentoring younger colleagues, or simply offering encouragement, Gene’s kindness and authenticity defined his professional legacy every bit as much as his achievements. Retirement took them to Southport, NC, where Gene enjoyed golf outings, book club, and the beach until they were drawn to settle in Falls Church, VA, to be close to — and enjoy — their children and grandchildren.

Away from work, Gene found joy in life’s simplest — and tastiest — pleasures. The kitchen was often filled with the aromas of simmering soups and stews and apples baking, as he attempted to recreate the perfect French Tarte Tatin, all amidst the soft strains of smooth jazz and the laughter of family and friends. An avid traveler, he was equally happy wandering cobblestone streets abroad or taking his daily walk closer to home in search of an espresso. Summer afternoons often ended with a refreshing swim — always in his trusty Speedo — before he settled into a book, ever the lifelong learner.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his three children, Ryan (Cindy), Marc (Megan), and Kristine (Kevin Ward); and seven grandchildren — Joel, Gwen, Lisette, Scott, Grant, Bruce, and Kincaid — who will forever miss Papere’s warm hugs and gentle wisdom. He is also remembered by his siblings Mimi DiLenge (Rich), Anne DesMarais (Mark), Jeannette Smith (Todd), and Jimmy Columbo (Merry); his in-laws Janie Geder (Gerry), Dottie McKinney, and Nancy Pollock; and a bounty of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie Columbo; sibling Lisette Johnson; aunt and uncle, John and Vivienne Malaguerra; and in-laws Dottie Pollock Hey, Jim Pollock, Jim R. Pollock, and Debbie Pollock Vice.

A memorial service celebrating Gene’s rich and love-filled life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA. All who knew him are welcome to attend, share a story, and toast a man whose generosity of spirit left the world softer and kinder.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Gene by turning up some jazz music, taking a long walk with your dog, and sharing a meal with someone you love — just as he would have wanted.

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” — Dr. Seuss