Eugene Donofrio

Eugene Donofrio, 96, of New Philadelphia, passed away March 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 19, 1921 in Roswell, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Elizabeth (Amicone) Donofrio.

Eugene’s family was truly proud of his military service in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served honorably in the Pacific Theater and was part of the battle on the island of Iwo Jima.

On May 17, 1952 Eugene married the former Zita E. Dapoz in Sacred Heart Church. They celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage prior to her passing on February 5, 2002.

Eugene was employed by the former Joy Manufacturing for 33 years prior to his retirement in 1983.

He was an avid member and supporter of the Tuscarawas Central Catholic Booster Club where he enjoyed playing cards with his friends at the conclusion of the TCC meetings. Over the years, Eugene enjoyed watching both his son Gene, and grandson Jeremy, play various sports for the TCC Saints. He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved watching sports on TV, especially boxing matches. Eugene also was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church where he was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Eugene enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach with his wife, Zita, daughter Cathy, and son-in-law Lewie. In Eugene’s later years, he enjoyed sitting in the sun and doing his two favorite past times which were reading and completing hundreds of word search puzzles. He also accompanied his son on numerous carpentry jobs which many times were the highlight of his day.

Survivors include his son, Gene of New Philadelphia, with whom he resided. Gene took tremendous and diligent care of his father especially in Eugene’s later years. He is also survived by his daughter Cathy (Lewie) Banks of New Philadelphia to whom he always showed unconditional love. Eugene will be greatly missed by his only grandson, Jeremy Banks of Colorado, with whom he shared many stories and precious times. His family is completed by several nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant brother Vincent and three other siblings, Florence (Leonard “Diz”) Simonetti, Dolores (Joe) Schiavoni, and Regina (Glen) Galbraith.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Monday March 5, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM with the Rosary being said at 7 PM. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday March 6, 2018 beginning at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. A reception will be held in St. Ambrose Hall immediately following the committal service.

Memorial contributions in Eugene’s memory may be directed to Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 139 Third St. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or the Tuscarawas Central Catholic Booster Club, 777 Third St. NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.