Eugene Mondani

Eugene "Gene" Mondani, born on September 12, 1934, in Westbrook, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, in Palm Harbor, Florida. He was 90 years old.

Gene was the cherished son of the late Anthony and Carrabelle Mondani. He is survived by his devoted wife Lucie; his sons Glen, Paul, and Greg; his daughters-in-law Penny, Sue, and Holli; and his sisters Hilma, Nancy, Jill, and Brenda.

Gene and Lucie met in 1958 while both working at Cramer's Corp in Essex, CT. Gene was looking for an opportunity to ask Lucie out on a date. So, one day he stayed late at work and removed all the pencil sharpeners between her desk and his. That way she had to walk over and use the new sharpener he attached to his own desk. It worked. They became engaged after five weeks and were married for over 65 years, living in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Colorado, Delaware, and Florida.

Gene loved being a dad. He fixed bikes, pulled sleds back up snowy hills, drove to swim meets, got up at 3:30 on Sunday mornings for hockey practice, played pool, and even taught his kids how to throw a knuckle ball. He gave them praise at the right times and support when they needed it.

Gene led a life filled with diverse accomplishments and meaningful contributions. In his early years, he was a proud member of the United States Air Force. His professional journey was equally remarkable, encompassing roles as a minor league baseball player, assistant bear trainer, engineer, senior executive at a multinational tech company, and management consultant. Gene's varied career reflected his adaptability and drive to excel in every endeavor he undertook.

Gene loved dogs and owned many; each one his favorite. His last dog, a boxer named Rocky, liked to walk around the garage with Gene and "help" with whatever project was being worked on that day.

Gene and Lucie liked to travel with family and friends. They cruised through the Panama Canal, and Alaska, toured Europe and England, and traveled the US and Canada visiting friends and relatives. One of Gene's favorite experiences was sitting at the stern of the ship watching locks close on the Panama Canal.

A man of many passions, Gene shared a love for music with his wife Lucie. Together they were active members of the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and their appreciation for the arts.

Above all else, Gene valued his family. He was a loving husband and father who lived with honesty, generosity, and integrity. His marriage to Lucie stood as a testament to enduring love and partnership through life's challenges and triumphs.

Gene spent the last months peacefully at home with Lucie, feeding the ibis who came to the screen door, watching the alligators sun themselves on the lake behind the house, and reading mystery novels from the local library.

Gene's legacy is one of dedication-to his family, his work, and the many communities he touched throughout his life. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the SDJS scholarship fund:

SDJS (Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society)

P.O. Box 1014

Largo, FL

33779-1014

www.SDJS2022.org