Eugene "Gene" Manfrini

QUEENSBURY Eugene "Gene" Manfrini, 79, of Kenwwood Circle, passed away, Monday, June 23, 2008, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after many years of wrestling several debilitating diseases. Born on Sept. 20, 1928, in Mount Vernon, he was the son of the late Dominick and Elizabeth (Signore) Manfrini. At 3 years of age, silver nitrate was inexpertly applied during a measles outbreak and burned out the pupils of his eyes, including the olfactory nerve. At age 5, Gene was enrolled at the Institute for the Education of the Blind. In his 14 years there, he learned how a sightless person can enjoy the world's opportunities by adjusting to a normal living. He learned the piano, violin and organ, and also became an honor student. On the violin, he reached the virtuosity of the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor. His instructor went back to England and he took up the piano. He played everything from Boogie Woogie to Bach for the rest of his life. At age 10, he sang in the institute's choral group which performed with the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski at Carnegie Hall. At 12 years of age, because of his immense energy, he was directed into wrestling, mat-football, and the track team. Wrestling soon became his favorite sport with Clyde Downs as his coach. He won the Junior and Senior Metropolitan AAU Titles. At age 19, he was considered as an Olympic prospect, until an injury put him out of competition. In the fall of 1948, he entered Columbia College. He undertook "General Studies" which the college required in order to prove himself. In February of 1949, he was officially admitted because of his straight "A" average, and not because of his handicap. Upon entering Columbia, Gene promptly started wrestling training and was phenomenal by his sophomore year. Columbia wrestling coach Dick Waite said that Gene had one of the finest sense of balance that he had ever seen, and he had complete control of his body at all times. He asked no concessions because of his blindness. His only request was that the referee remained still while he was in the ring. After graduating from Columbia, Gene went back to his high school and took up piano tuning. In those days, no one would hire a blind person no matter how educated he was. He eventually built his Piano Tuning and Rebuilding business into the best in this country. His clients consisted of Irving Berlin, Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, RCA, Columbia Recording, Frank Loesser, Arthur Schwartz, Harold Arlen, Thelonius Monk, Dave Brubeck, Andre Kostelantz, Roseland Dance Land, Julliard School of Music and many more. For years, Gene had his own music group, The Mood Men. They played throughout New York City in many nightclubs. They also played in New Jersey, Lake George, and Ticonderoga. His great love of classical jazz made him well known and loved. Until about 15 years ago, Gene traveled all over New York City, The Bronx, Brooklyn, New Jersey and even Europe without a cane or a dog. His sense of balance and hearing was unequaled. Traveling in New York City eventually became hazardous, and after several instances of falling into holes that were left open, he began to use a guide dog. During his life he had two, Lindy and Fanny, and a bond was formed with both dogs that only a blind person could understand. Gene was a man of great talent and expertise who spent his whole life being the best at whatever he undertook. Few blind people have ever achieved what he has. He did not curse the darkness, he filled it with his own light. Besides his parents, Gene was predeceased by his brother, Paul Manfrini. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Miorin) Manfrini whom he first loved 50 years ago, lost her and then found her 35 years ago. His sisters: Nina Kalish and family of Glen Cove; and Roseanne Carbone and family of New Jersey; two daughters: Liza Abate and her family; Marilyn Manfrini and family, both of New Jersey. Over the years, Gene met many people and they became his friends. He was a man of deep and strong principals which he adhered to all of his life. He was an inspiration to all of us. At Gene's request, his body has been donated as an anatomical gift to Albany Medical College. A memorial service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at the Glen at the Highlands, Queensbury at a time to be announced. Those who wish to remember Gene can do so by sending a contribution to Freedom Guide Dogs in his name. He has always been an ardent fundraiser for this organization because he felt it was the very best. Contributions may be directed to: Freedom Guide Dogs, 1210 Hardscrabble Road, Cassville, NY 13318. Please visit www.alexander funeralhomes.com for the online guest book and condolences.