Eugene Gene Argento

Eugene “Geno” Argento, 90, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Born on December 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Luigi and Congettina “Concetta” (Lauria) Argento. A 1954 graduate of Mineral City High School, Geno was a gifted athlete who lettered in basketball and baseball and ran track. His love of sports and natural athleticism were evident throughout his life and became a lasting bond between him and his children and grandchildren.

On January 23, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Gribi, with whom he was blessed with five children. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1988. He later married Linda Gayle Arnold on November 21, 1987. Linda preceded him in death on September 6, 2025. Gene’s devotion to his family was constant and unwavering, and his greatest pride and joy was found in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

Gene honorably served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he dedicated 30 years of hard work to the Timken Roller Bearing Company before retiring. He also gave generously of his time to his community, serving two consecutive terms on the Tuscarawas Valley School Board and supporting local youth as a member of the booster club.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Gene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of St. Patrick’s Church, where he served on the parish council and was always willing to lend a hand at church festivals and parish events. His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He lived it daily and passed it on faithfully to his children and grandchildren. His legacy of faith will continue to guide his family for generations to come.

Gene found great happiness in simple pleasures: camping trips, golfing, fishing, vacationing with cousins and neighborhood families, and playing ball in the yard with his kids. He especially loved coaching—first his children, and later his grandchildren—sharing not only his knowledge of the game but lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and integrity.

He leaves behind his children; Christopher Argento, Heidi Argento, Gina Argento, Rock (Sharon) Argento, and Constance Argento (Jim) Smith; step-children, Jeff (Tammy) Schaar, Todd (Melissa) Schaar, Tracie Brent; 20 grandchildren, Rocky Argento, Ryan (Laura) Argento, Kristen (Tom) Lewis, Kacie (James) Scozzafava, Andrea Ogden, Lauren Ogden, Isabella Argento, Ian (Erika) Smith, MacKenzie (Justin) Jeffers, James (Eleni) Argento Smith, Stefan Argento, Rocco Argento, Geno Argento, Olivia Schaar, Michael Schaar, Chance Schaar, Melia Schaar, Noah Brent, Evan Brent, Gracie Brent; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary (John) Argento Melich; sister in-law, Judy Argento; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank (Grace) Demonte, Joe (Twila) Argento, Rose (Frank) Pellegrino, Helen (Ken) Dorsey, Sam Argento, and Anna (Al) Michna.

Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:00 am -10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jimmy Hatfield at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Burial will follow at New Cumberland Cemetery, where the New Philadelphia VFW will conduct military honors. A meal will be served at St. Joseph Family Life Center following the service of committal. To sign an online guestbook for Gene, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N Tuscarawas Ave, Dover, Ohio 44622, or Hope Lodge, 11432 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Above all, Gene will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, veteran, community leader, and man of strong faith. His life was a testament to love of family, commitment to community, and steadfast devotion to God. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, and service that will live on in all who knew and loved him.