Eugene A. York

Eugene A. York

AGE: 89 • Morristown

Eugene A. (Gene) York, 89, lifelong resident of Morristown, died April 11 at Overlook Hospital. Son of Harry and Jenny and brother to Joseph, Gene was born in Elizabeth in 1921. He was always involved in athletics. After graduating Bayley- Ellard H.5. Gene worked at Picatinny Arsenal as a toolmaker. He served in the U.S. Army, and graduated from the University of Vermont where he was a member of the varsity tennis and basketball teams, as well as Kappa Sigma fraternity. Gene then taught at Thomas Edison Vocational-Technical H.S. in Elizabeth for 33 years. During his tenure he was chair of the math department, and completed his post-graduate degree at Seton Hall University. He was boys varsity basketball head coach for 26 years and also coached boys track for 8 years. For 18 summers Coach York worked for the Morristown Recreation Department. After retiring in 1984 Mr. York coached for 11 years at Hanover Park H-S. and Whippany Park H.S, as an assistant in both boys and girls basketball. He was a devout Catholic and active member of St. Margaret's Church, serving as an usher, reader, and choir member. Gene was a member of American Legion Post 59 and was named Veteran of the Year 2010. He enjoyed running 5K and 10K races in his prime and took up golf in his later years. He remained a lifelong tennis and basketball player: indeed, his life ended on the basketball court when he suffered a coronary attack.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Helen Davey York, three daughters, Denise Kranichfeld (William), Karen Petruzzi (Patrick), and Beth York and her long-time companion Fred Jones, as well as grandchildren Will, lane, and Harry Kranichfeld and Katherine Petruzzi.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret's Church, Morristown, at noon Monday, followed by inurnment at Holy Rood Cemetery, Morris Township. A memorial visitation will be held at the Doyle Funeral Home, Morristown, prior to the Mass, beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Gene's memory to: St. Margaret's Church, 6 Sussex Avenue, 07960-3897