Eugene J. DeLattre

Eugene J. DeLattre, 86, of Belle Vernon, Rostraver Township, died peacefully in his home Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, with his family by his side. Born in Crookham, Pa., on Jan. 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Julien and Anna (Balliard) DeLattre. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Mountain. Gene was considered a pioneer in the air conditioning industry, bringing some of the first air conditioners to the Mon Valley. He was the retired owner of DeLattre Corporation, a heating and air conditioning business in Monongahela. Throughout Gene's lifetime, he used his business to aid the less fortunate, never wanting to be recognized for his compassion and generosity. He was a member of the Church of St. Anne in Rostraver Township, and the American Legion and VFW, both in Monongahela. Gene had a farm in Somerset and was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He was also a big game hunter, going on numerous hunting trips with his sons to various places, including Montana and Alaska. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. He also received a commendation of thanks from the French for fighting in the battle of Southern France. He is survived by his wife, Carmel (Ross) DeLattre; three sons, James E. (Beverly) DeLattre, of Donora, Robert J. "Boe" DeLattre, of Colstrip, Mont., and Martin R. (Jeri) DeLattre, of Monongahela; daughter, Catherine (Gerrit) van der Meer, of Los Angeles; seven grandchildren, Rick (Janice) DeLattre, Nathaniel (Ann) DeLattre, Beaux Devon (Holly) DeLattre, Lyndsey DeLattre, Anna DeLattre, Julian van der Meer and Ross DeLattre; two stepgrandchildren, Netty Huber and Shad Huber; and five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township (724) 929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com, where a blessing bervice will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Anne with the Rev. Vincent J. Gigliotti officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Monongahela Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of one's choice.