Eugene "Gene" "Chap" M. Lilley

Eugene Maynard “Gene” Lilley a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, for all of his 90 years passed away February 24, 2014. The son of the late Clifford and Daisy Lilley of Willoughby, Gene leaves behind his beloved wife of 39 years, Marie (nee: McManamon), two of his twelve siblings: sisters Virginia Steenstra and Marilyn Spillner (Frank Normali). Gene was the proud father of six children: Tim (Patti Longville), Sister Maresa Lilley, SND, Kathleen (Tim) Wolosz, Tom (Dawn Sorrell), Terry (Susie) and Paul (Debra). Included in this legacy are 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Gene will also be dearly missed by his devoted nieces: Dorothy Jean Konrad and Joanne Casey.

His only significant absence from Northeast Ohio came with 3 years of service to his country in World War II with the US Army’s 650th Engineer Topographic Battalion.

A graduate of Collinwood High School, “Chap” transferred his Army experience to a career as an architectural draftsman. He retired from the Austin Company 30 years ago.

A quiet, simple, and genuinely good man who enjoyed reading, history, golf, and a variety of hobbies, Gene was also a musician who coaxed sweet sounds from keyboard and harmonica. He was proud to have reached the age of ninety, just one of many blessings from above for which he was so grateful.

Family will receive friends Thursday, February 27, from 4-8pm at the CATAVOLOS-BERRY FUNERAL HOME 23040 Center Ridge Rd. in Westlake. A Christian funeral Mass will be held Friday, 11am in the Chapel at St. Mary of the Woods Nursing Home 35755 Detroit Rd. Avon. (Please meet at St. Mary of the Woods) Burial will follow at Lakewood Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, Ohio, 44024.