Eugene Joseph Kane

October 14, 2010

Eugene Joseph Kane, of Dalton, Pa., died Thursday evening, October 14, 2010, at Mercy Hospital, Scranton. He leaves behind his devoted wife, the former Joan Flynn. They began a beautiful family and shared 56 wonderful and fulfilling years together. Born in Dunmore, on February 20, 1930, a son to the late Edward J. and Nora O'Boyle Kane, he was educated at St. Paul's High School and Lackawanna College. He completed courses in logistics at Temple University and Ohio State University and graduated from the University of Scranton in 1954. In 1955, Gene took over the family business, a trucking company of two trucks, which his father started in 1930. He converted a 2,000-square-foot garage and established Kane Warehousing, Inc. With over 50 years of leadership, Gene transformed the humble business into a nationally recognized industry leader and a major employer in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Kane Is Able, Inc. Gene has been honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce for his leadership acumen. Additionally, professional affiliations, both national and regional, have been significant components of Gene's leadership, including the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, of which he was a former State Director, the American Warehousemen's Association, American Trucking Association, and the Council of Logistics Management. Actively involved in numerous community affiliations and organizations, Gene was a former Executive Board Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Scranton, the Boy Scouts of America, the Pennsylvania Regional Tissue and Transplant Bank, the Scranton Area Foundation, and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past President of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America and a former Trustee with Marywood University, the University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School. Gene was recognized with many awards, including being selected Small Business Person of the Year by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2008, Gene received the President's Medal from the University of Scranton. This is the University's highest honor presented each year to individuals whose lifetime achievements reflect the University's mission of Jesuit excellence and service. In 2007, Gene was the recipient of the Amos Lodge of B'nai B'rith Americanism Award and the Ignatian Award in 2000 from Scranton Preparatory School. He was a member of the Church of Saint Gregory, Clarks Green, the Country Club of Scranton, and the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick. A self-made man, a loving father and devoted husband, his unfailing good nature and unwavering personal and professional integrity, and profound generosity defined him. He had a reputation for taking time to talk to associates at every job level. His relentless work ethic will be an example to us forever. He will be remembered by family and friends for his steady nature and love of his family. His strong faith in our Lord, his fairness, honesty, optimism, quiet strength and humility will be his legacy. All who came in contact with Gene were treated with kindness and respect. He never failed to be grateful for the many blessings in his life. Gene Kane's story is a wondrous tale of God's graces at work in one's life. In addition to Joan Flynn Kane, his devoted wife, he is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Calpin, Boulder, Colo.; son, Richard and wife, Erin, Clarks Summit, Pa.; Margaret Kane, widow of Jack, Clarks Green, Pa.; son, Eugene Jr., and wife, Yasmine, Vero Beach, Fla.; son, Christopher and wife, Kathleen, Clarks Summit; son, Edward and wife, Christine, Waverly; son, Michael and wife, Dorothea, Devon, Pa.; and daughter, Kelly Stark and husband, Alex, Clarks Summit. He was preceded in death by, and is now reunited with, his beloved son, Jack. He is also survived by his sister, Marguerite Lynch, of Scranton, several nieces and nephews, and 22 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Deep and sincere gratitude is extended by the Kane family to Dr. Terrence P. Lenahan, M.D., for his extraordinary medical care and empathy. Arrangements are being handled by Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, Dunmore. Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the Church of Saint Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday with a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of Saint Gregory. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Saint Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509, or Friends of the Poor, 148 Meridian Ave., Scranton, PA 18504.