Eugene B. Scialdone

SENECA FALLS/MYRTLE BEACH - Eugene B. Scialdone, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Gene was a devoted husband, father, Grampi, brother, uncle, nephew, friend and neighbor.

Born on December 12, 1945 in Seneca Falls, N.Y., he was the son of the late Antonio Scialdone and late Alessandra "Sadie" (Cafaro) Scialdone. Reflecting on younger years brought fond memories of Little League, baseball cards in the spokes of his bike, and Sunday dinners with aunts, uncles and cousins. Graduating from Mynderse Academy in Seneca Falls, he then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force as a communications tech specialist. After his service, he attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a journalism degree in 1972. He began as a sports writer at the Charleston Post and Courier, and then continued on to a career in communications, public relations and fund development, first in North Carolina and then in Connecticut. He retired to Myrtle Beach, SC with his wife, Gail, in 2013.

Gene was the truest sports fan there ever was. From his early days covering minor league baseball, rodeo and Nascar down south, to following his Georgia 'Dawgs to multiple championships, to his true love of baseball and pride for the Yankees, and his impressive sports memorabilia collection and sports knowledge, his enthusiasm was unmatched. Some of his favorite memories were attending Yankees spring trainings with Jenny (watching batting practice and yelling to "Willie") and sitting in the bleachers at Wrigley Field with Amy (a pile of peanut shells by his feet and a piece of Ivy in his hand). If you knew him, you likely heard him talk about his encounters with some of "the greats" throughout his life, such as Joe Frazier, Willie Mosconi, Richard Petty, Willie Randolph, Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali, and all those autographs he collected along the way.

When he wasn't watching a game, he was out playing golf or cards with his buddies, fixing something in the garage, winning pool championships at the rec center, carrying Gail's chair to the beach or planning his next visit with the grandkids. He would do anything for his daughters, often reminding them, "That's what Dads are for." He was immensely grateful to Gail for being by his side for 55 years up until the very end, as reflected in his sentiments to her this Mother's Day. His love for his four older brothers and extended family and his respect for treasured family members who had passed before him was immeasurable.

Gene is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail (Kratzer) Scialdone; daughters Amy Stolberg (Aaron) of Bloomington, Indiana and Jenny Scialdone of West Hartford, Connecticut; grandchildren Alessandra and Sam; brothers John Scialdone (Jane) and Tony Scialdone; sisters-in-law Linda Miller (Carl) and Karen Bassford; and many close cousins; nieces; and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers Andy Scialdone and Lew Scialdone.

A tribute to Gene's life will take place at a later date. To honor his memory in the meantime, please thank a veteran, play some golf or cards, "root, root, root for the home team" and hug your family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.