Obituary of Eugene V. Conte

Eugene Conte went home to be reunited with his loving wife, Mary on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence in Newburgh. He was 97. Born on May 13, 1918 in Lackawanna, New York, Gene was one of eight children born to Samuel and Amelia Conte. He is survived by his three children, Judith Roenick, Nancy Martinez and James Conte; three grandchildren, Russell Roenick, Nicholas Conte and Melanie Conte; as well as two great-grandchildren, Wesley Roenick and Luke Roenick. He is also survived by one brother, Joseph Conte of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Conte endured the tumultuous years of the Great Depression. He graduated high school one year early and worked at the Bethlehem Steel Works for a year before pursuing his education at the University of Alabama. He participated in the ROTC program there and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Subsequent to his graduation, Gene worked for a year at the Westinghouse Electric Company in Pittsburg, PA. At the onset of the United States' entry into World War II, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he was attached to the 9th Air Force Service Command. At the conclusion of his military service in 1946, he married the love of his life, Mary F. McDowell in Mobile, Alabama. He was employed by Central Hudson Gas and Electric Company and retired after 38 years of service. Gene thoroughly enjoyed his life in Dutchess County and was involved in many community activities, most notably, the Dutchess County Planning Board. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Dutchess Golf and Country Club. During his retirement he enjoyed his friends and family, especially caring for his grandchildren Nicholas and Melanie. He continued to play golf regularly and worked out at Planet Fitness into his early nineties. He lovingly cared for his wife, Mary Conte, at their home until her death in 2012. Family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.