Eugene Harold Stossel

Eugene “Gene” Stossel passed away peacefully after a long illness on December 24, 2021, in home hospice care, and attended by his son and daughter. Gene was a devoted husband, a devout Christian, a loving father and grandfather, and an accomplished certified public accountant (CPA).

Gene was born in Front Royal, VA, on June 27, 1924, to Ethel (Purdum) Stossel, a music teacher, and Harold Eugene Stossel, a small factory owner. Both were descendants of German immigrants. Gene was an exceptionally good student with a life-long love of learning and music. He played clarinet in his high school band, which traveled the state to perform, and continued playing as an adult in a quartet.

Like many, the family faced challenges during the depression years, but Gene’s academic achievements earned him a full scholarship to Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C., where he graduated in business and accounting in just three years. He subsequently passed the CPA exam with the 2nd highest score in the country. He was recruited by the accounting firm of Councilor, Buchanan, and Mitchell, in Washington, D.C., where he remained for the rest of his career. Gene had the privilege of doing the personal taxes of several notable figures in both government service and private business during his career.

Upon his arrival in Washington, D.C., Gene joined the Church of the Pilgrims, at 2201 P Street, N.W. He remained devoted to the church throughout the rest of his life, serving as Deacon, Elder, and Treasurer. He was a member of a large and vibrant young adult group, where he met his future wife, Marian Smith. Many members of the group remained life-long friends.

After they married, Gene and Marian purchased a home on 25th Street N in Arlington, VA. They had two children: Jeanne Marian and David Eugene. Their household always included several pets. Later, they moved to McLean, VA, where Gene and Marian lived for the remainder of their lives. After Gene retired to care for Marian, who was in declining health, they took several trips to Europe and the American West. Marian passed away in March 1995.

Gene took great pleasure in attending family events – holiday gatherings, weddings, and birthdays (his favorite type of cake was coconut), and countless family meals. He always arrived on time. Favorite memories include many Fourth of July gatherings at the house in Front Royal, accompanied by stupendous firework displays orchestrated by his son David. He was always available to help with the grandkids, picking them up from school and taking them to medical appointments. He was an exceedingly cautious driver! He was particularly fond of cats. He welcomed many strays into his home over the years, where they happily took up residence along with the rest of the family.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Stossel Giamporcaro; his son, David Eugene Stossel; his son-in-law, David Edward Giamporcaro; his grandson, Christopher Giamporcaro; his granddaughter, Elena Giamporcaro Bowers, his grandson-in-law, Lawrence Bowers; as well as nieces, Holly and Karen, nephew, David; their families; and Puss, the current family cat (who was given to Gene by his granddaughter Elena). The house in Front Royal remains a treasured possession in the family.

Throughout his life, Gene was unselfish, patient, and charitable. He was devoted to his family, church, and job. He was always a gentleman and treated everyone he met courteously. He will be greatly missed. A viewing (closed casket) will be held at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W Broad Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. He will be buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, VA, on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, at noon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Goodwin Home Hospice, or a charity of your choice, in his name.