He was born in Oneonta but following his mother’s passing he lived with his grandmother in Salamanca, NY.
After graduating from Salamanca High School in 1945 he joined the Merchant Marines. Due to sea sickness he later enlisted in the US AirForce as a radio technician. Coming back to Oneonta he joined his Father’s Plumbing business and learned the trade with the help of Bill Graves. He then went to work for the maintenance department at Hartwick College. The last year of his employment he worked as the supervisor for the department. He retired after 25 years of service at Hartwick College.
He married Betty Bishop July 30th 1949 at the First Baptist Church in Oneonta.
They celebrated over 70 years of marriage. Gene is survived by his wife and two daughters; Linda L Rawdan and Paula J Daley; Grandchildren Michael (Sherry) Rawdan, Jennifer (Adam) Moon and Kathryn (Kevin) Docyk; Great-grandchildren Trent and Colton Rawdan, Samantha, Josephine and Danielle Jimenez, Sophia and Elizabeth Moon; Hunter and Piper Docyk; 4 great-great grandchildren; cousins Sue Knepp, Paul Keller, and Philip Keller.
He was predeceased by Grandmother Eugenia Maude (Carl) Rettberg, his mother Pauline and his Father Robert (Elizabeth) Daley, his Uncles John (Laura) and Leo and cousins Rick and Bernard.
Gene will always be remembered for his good, easy-going, generous nature and ready smile. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He could strike up a conversation with such ease it seemed like everyone he encountered was a friend. He had quite a sense of humor, often trying to play jokes on everyone. He loved sports and enjoyed many outdoor activities including snow skiing, waterskiing, fishing, and gardening.
Gene was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, singing in the choir and helping with facility maintenance. He also sang baritone and lead in the Barbershop chorus, S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. He enjoyed singing and touring locally with the barbershop quartet group called “Steppin Out”.
A requiem mass will be held on Sunday, July 4th, 2021 in honor of his birthday at:
St. James Episcopal Church 305 Main Street Oneonta, NY 13820
with placement of his remains in the church Columbarium.
The family greatly appreciated the special staff of Helios Hospice who attended to him during the last weeks of his life. Gifts in honor of his memory can be given to Helios Care and or St. James Episcopal Church.
Helios Care – 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820
St. James Episcopal Church – 305 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820-2596
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