Eugene E. Laney

Oakfield - Eugene E. Laney, 88, of Oakfield, passed away peacefully. He was born on April 29, 1937, in Batavia, the son of William and Evelyn (Rutherford) Laney.

Eugene attended Alfred State University and graduated from SUNY Geneseo. A dedicated and hardworking businessman, he enjoyed two successful lifelong careers. He worked as a retail manager for Montgomery Ward, Goodwill, and Dollar General, and later as an insurance broker with John Hancock and Mutual of Omaha.

On September 16, 1964, in Stafford, he married the former Kathleen Y. "Kitty" LaBelle, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Mary Thompson Laney; his sisters, Ann Sprague and Sharron Scott; and his brother, Harold Laney.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Robin (Robert) Ettinger, Tina Laney Eldred, Linda (Bob) Johnson, and Christine Jekov; his siblings, Rosa Penders and Alvin Laney; his grandson, Mark Laney along with nine additional grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished deeply.

In his youth, Eugene was a Boy Scout, sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, camper, and boater who treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. His adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively, visiting 23 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, and Mexico. He was an active member of the Alexander Happy Agers travel club and belonged to the Holland Land Office Museum, the Oakfield Historical Society, and the Civil War Round Table. In 2023, he became a member of Northgate Free Methodist Church.

A proud descendant of Revolutionary War patriots and Civil War soldiers, Eugene was a passionate history enthusiast who authored several booklets about his ancestors' wartime contributions.

Eugene will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of family, and deep appreciation for history and the outdoors.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 1 pm to 3 pm at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia where his funeral service will follow at 3 pm. He will be laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery, LeRoy. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street, Road, Batavia, NY 14020.