Gene Francis McHale

Gene Francis McHale, 90, of Springfield, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at his home. He was born in Binghamton, NY to Martin J. and Alice O’Rourke McHale. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Paul, Donald, and Joel. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, June Bruce McHale; his three children, Mary Alice C. McHale, Gene M. McHale (Beth), and Theresa McHale Guynn (Hugh); his six grandchildren, Kurt, Connor, Michael, Kelly, Keith, and Hannah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. McHale was raised in Archbald, PA where he graduated high school in 1941. For a short time after high school, he lived and worked in Buffalo, NY, prior to volunteering for service in the U.S. Army. He was a combat veteran of World War II and served in the 28th Division Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop Mechanized, earning a Bronze Star for distinguished service under fire during the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he joined the U.S. Postal Service and served as a U.S. Postal Inspector from 1958 until his retirement in 1978. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, reading, jogging, and spending time with family and friends. He was an active member of the 28th Infantry Division Association, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and the National Association of Retired Postal Inspectors.

Mr. McHale was a resident of Springfield, VA since 1968 and a long time parishioner of Saint Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gene’s favorite charity: Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218, (716) 828-9648, www.ourladyofvictory.org.