Eugene Francis Peterpaul, Sr.

July 15, 2021

Eugene Francis Peterpaul, Sr. passed peacefully July 15, 2021, with his children by his side.

He was born June 12, 1930, in Rome, New York, the son of Anthony and Apolonia Peterpaul. He was the sixth of seven children: Marion, Pat, Mike, Joe, Charles, and John.

He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1948 and enlisted into the army. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Lee Center American Legion.

While stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met his bride Betty June Whitton and were married November 24, 1951. At the time of Betty’s death, they were married 64 years. Dad worked for the Government at Griffiss Air Force Base in various capacities for 38 years. He retired at age 57.

Dad is survived by his three children: daughter, Elizabeth, husband Ray Smith, their children and grandchildren of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands; son, Eugene Peterpaul Jr., wife Karen of Conroe, TX, their children, Chris and Nick, and grandchildren; and son, Rob, wife Laura, of Spring, TX; brother, John and wife Linda of Clearwater, FL; sisters-in-law, Shirley Peterpaul of Lee Center, and Catherine Peterpaul of Albany; as well as many nephews and nieces.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Betty June; sister, Marion and Jim Gentile; and the four brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat and Mary, Mike, Joe and Hazel, and Charles.

Dad loved to garden and fish. He was also a member of the Rome YMCA for exercise. For many years, he volunteered with the Lion’s Club collecting, repairing and distributing recycled glasses.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Saturday morning, August 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, Lee Center for a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Robert Kelly as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, August 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to St. Joseph’s Memorial Fund.