EUGENE G. ELOSHWAY
April 7, 1929-May 13, 2010
The Lord called home one of his most faithful servants, Gene Eloshway, Thursday at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. His warm smile and welcoming hugs will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 1101 E. Ash St. in Goldsboro. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in McChesney Hall.
A native of Vestaburg, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles and Sophia Eloshway of Fredericktown, Pa. Gene was the loving, compassionate and devoted husband of the love of his life, Minnie, his wife of 59 years, who passed away last year on his birthday, April 7.
Gene had a deep personal faith in God, which he enjoyed sharing with others. His life itself was a testimony of his powerful faith. He was truly a blessing to those whose lives he touched.
In his early years, Gene was a member of the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
Later, he was employed by E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co. Inc. at the Kinston facility. He worked at Du Pont for 30 years, retiring in 1985.
As anyone who knew Gene can attest, he led an active life. One of his greatest passions was dancing, especially swing dancing to Big Band music. He was a "natural" with moves that challenged even the most experienced dancing partner. Over the years, he and Minnie spent countless hours at local dance venues, and even traveled to hear and dance to the more popular bands of the time, such as the Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman orchestras.
Another great passion of Gene's was his love of sports. He played baseball and football during his school years, considering himself an average player. But officiating sports was where he excelled. He umpired baseball at the high school and college level, and officiated basketball, softball and football from the Boys' Club to high school level.
Gene was a member of the North Carolina High School Officials Athletic Association for 41 years, and was selected to officiate many championship games throughout the state. He was proudly chosen to officiate the 1993 North Carolina/South Carolina High School All-Star Shrine Bowl.
Gene was also the first recipient to receive the Most Distinguished Award from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association for excellence in football in eastern North Carolina.
Over the years, Gene volunteered many hours of his time to aid others. He was recognized on several occasions for his outstanding volunteer leadership by the Wayne County Boys' Club, and was one of the original members of the Boys' Club's father's club. He also assisted the local chapters of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and WAGES Meals on Wheels Program.
Gene's greatest passion, however, was for his Lord and Savior. Minnie's love of the Lord led Gene to dedicate his life to Christ, and in 1957, they joined George Kirby Memorial Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro.
In 1961, they transferred their membership to First Presbyterian Church, where they were actively involved until the Lord called them to their heavenly home. Over the years, Gene served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and elder. He also served on the Presbytery and Synod Evangelism committees.
Gene cherished his involvement with the children of the church. He looked forward to participating in the outdoor games and activities of Vacation Bible school each summer (he blew the biggest bubbles ever!) and also to the Wednesday night youth program. Pictures of "Mr. Gene" and his First Presbyterian Church children fill a bulletin board (and part of the wall) by his desk at home. He was a mighty prayer warrior for many of them.
Upon his retirement, Gene and close friend, Homer Phillips, worked at the church doing odd jobs, such as painting, repairing and cleaning. They soon enlisted other retirees to join them, and the Tuesday Troubleshooters group was born. Gene diligently opened the group with a prayer and devotion every Tuesday that he was able to attend.
Gene also actively supported and participated in missions work locally and in other areas of the country. And at least once a week, he paid a visit to the local Kirkwood Retirement Community, where he served as a past board of directors member. With a warm smile and hug for whoever was close at hand, he would take the time to listen to whatever anyone had to say. And after Minnie passed, they would take the time to listen to him.
Gene will be lovingly remembered by his son, Greg and wife, Claire, and their daughters, Katlyn of Faison and Lyndsey and husband, Craig Lee, of Clayton; his daughter, Terri and husband, Gary Cangelosi, of Huntersville and their children, Courtney Cangelosi of New York, N.Y., Kelsey Cangelosi of Charleston, S.C., and Trevor Cangelosi and wife, Tracey, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
Surviving are his brothers Charles "Chuck" Eloshway, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and William "Bill" Eloshway of Washington, Pa.; sisters, Mary Rager and Margaret "Marge" Malanosky of Fredericktown, Pa., and Elizabeth "Lib" Tilton and Wilma "Toots" Pugac of Richeyville, Pa.; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.
We have all been honored to call him father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, John Eloshway.
The family is exceedingly grateful for the multitude of prayers that were directed heavenward on Gene's behalf. The Lord answered each one of them as only He can. The loving care that friend and caregiver Peggy Edwards provided to Gene, and the caring and tender acts of mercy from all the staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center will forever be appreciated and remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor the life of Gene to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
What a joy it is to know that we, his family, will one day have the privilege of joining him in our Father's everlasting heavenly kingdom.
"And whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:26).
Condolences may be made through www.evergreenmemorialservice.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Memorial Service of Goldsboro.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 13, 2010 1:47 PM