Eugene Tashman

Eugene Tashman was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1930. He graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School and went on to attend the State University of New York at Oswego, where he earned a B.S. degree. He then continued his education at the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned an M.S. degree in Administration.

Eugene enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, where he graduated as a Lieutenant. He served during the Korean War as an engineering officer on the USS Wahkiakum County, an amphibious ship. After his active duty, he served in the Naval Reserve, where he was appointed the commanding officer of the US Naval Training Center in Albany. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon.

After his military service, Eugene worked for the New York State Department of Labor, holding several key positions. He served as the Director of Office Management Systems and later as the Director of Manpower Planning, Evaluation, and Program Development. Eugene retired in 1992 after 30 years of dedicated service to the state. He was also an influential member of the Board of Directors of The Workshop in Menands, NY.

Additionally, Eugene worked as the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation at Sunnyview Hospital, where he played a significant role in developing programs to help individuals reenter the workforce. His work there made a lasting impact on many lives. Eugene's sense of humor was sharp, and he had a special way of delivering punchlines at just the right moment. Even when he appeared to be asleep, he would often surprise people with a quick one-liner or witty remark. His timing was perfect, and his clever comebacks always had the room laughing.

Eugene was a gifted trumpet player, and he had a remarkable talent for woodworking, creating many beautiful pieces. He was a "human calculator," able to perform split-second calculations in his head, a skill that amazed those who knew him. Eugene was known for his love of bananas, chocolate ice cream, and his fondness for singing Navy songs and jingles to family and friends. He and his wife shared a love for watching crime TV shows, especially Blue Bloods and NCIS, a nightly ritual that brought them both joy.

In his later years, Eugene lived at the Banyan Assisted Living Residence in Venice, Florida, where his warmth and gentle nature continued to be a light to those around him. Eugene was known there for his easygoing and go-with-the-flow attitude.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Velma; his son, Scott, and his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Patti; his stepdaughters, Maria and her husband, Matt, and Marilyn; and four grandchildren: Jake, Ethan, Justin, and Carly.

A funeral service will be held in the chapel at Grace United Methodist Church in Venice, FL on April 15th, 2026 at 10:30am. There will be a military ceremony at Saratoga National Cemetery this summer in New York. Contributions to the American Cancer Society in Eugene's memory would be appreciated.