He was born February 27, 1930 in Shamokin; he was the son of the late Pasquale and Liberata (Fiorenza) Varano; and preceded in death by his siblings, Anthony, Charles, Elizabeth, Theresa and Louise.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Geraldine A. (Rettig) Verano; children, Debra Verano Eppley (Scott), Richard Verano (Lynda), Janet Verano Minnier (Carl) and Mark Verano (Erin); 6 grandchildren, Joseph, Maria, Alyssa, Julie, Michael and Grace; and 4 great-grandchildren, Ryland, Camden, Tatum and Luca.
He was a retired salesman and a former plant manager for Bernardi Brothers. He was a talented cobbler, a trade he learned from his father. He was a skilled craftsman and loved building furniture and other specialty wood working projects.
He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was awarded the highest non-combat Soldiers Medal for heroism with complete disregard of his own safety, to save a young child’s life who fell through the ice.
Eugene was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he used his talents to improve the building and grounds of the church including the base for the baptismal font. He was a dedicated usher to the very end.
Eugene’s favorite activity was spending time with his family, especially Sunday dinners, he always carried his box of fun and loved to play pinochle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 29, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 555 S 25th St., Harrisburg. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM Monday until the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his honor to his church.
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