My Uncle Gene has passed.
He was an angel of a man, a magician as a teen, someone who was instantly loved by everyone who met him.
He was 98 years old.
He shared a 46 year marriage of the truest love with his beloved Robbert.
A deaf man and a concert pianist, the universe made a great match.
Amazing cooks, art collectors, friends to many, entertainers, adopters of rescue dogs, lovers of life.
My mom was his sister, and their mutual love was a highlight in life for each of them.
Gene had wonderful kids and grandkids.
Gene passed suddenly, while taking his beloved Robbert out to dinner for his birthday.
As his son, my cousin David said,
“Gene went out in true magician style. Here one minute and gone the next.”
Uncle Gene
Gene was the sweetest man ever.
My amazing Uncle
Shared by: Nancy12/22/2022
My Uncle Gene was my superhero. He exuded joy and love always. His life wasn't easy, yet never did I see him without a huge grin. His laughter was contagious, and his sense of humor was second to none.
He and my Mom, his sister, were quite a pair. I loved seeing them together a few years ago when Mom visited him in Sarasota.
He and Robbert had a relationship that was enviable - such kindness, compassion, love and mutual respect for 46 years never wavered.Their home was filled with delicious food and beautiful antiques, each of which had a special story.
We loved visiting with Gene and Robbert and spent almost every Thanksgiving together, including this last one a few weeks ago. At 98, Gene made most of the delicious meal, and he and Robbert were the ultimate hosts, never letting their guests lift a finger to help!
I am so grateful to have had this vibrant, exuberant man as my Uncle, my friend, my role model. He was one of a kind.
Gene was a Superstar.
He was intelligent, sensitive and kind. He had a great sense of humor. He was a role model, an example of how to overcome adversity with grace. He was a gift to the many who got to know him and love him. He made those around him better people. He will be missed.
John Keaney
