Eugene S. Kern Sr.

Eugene Kern Sr, 72; of West Pittston, passed away peacefully after a long illness, with his family close by, on Sunday, June 27, 2021

He was retired from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 13 and after his retirement was a crossing guard for the Montgomery Avenue school, which he enjoyed.

Eugene proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga, during the Vietnam War.

Gene was reunited with his wife and soul-mate, Bonnie, who passed away in 2017.

He is preceded in death by his brother Arthur Kern; sister Nancy Homschek, and his parents, Albert and Camilla Kern

Gene's legacy of love and laughter lives on with his children; daughter, Becky Didgeon and her husband, Daniel Sr.; daughter, Abby Smetana and her husband, Brian; son, Gene Kern Jr. and his partner Lorraine; and son, Larry Deminski and his wife, Heather.

Gene was also blessed with loving grandchildren, Daniel Didgeon Jr., Sarabeth R. Didgeon, Stefani Lasher, and her husband, Ted, Brittany Jacobs, and her husband, Eric, Hunter Smetana, Erica Smetana Butler, Aylin, and Benjamin Deminski.

Gene took great joy and laughter in his great-grandchildren, Layla, Evey, Theo, and his newest addition, his "Irish rose" Rowan Lasher and Darren Jacobs; Matthew Butler and Jebediah Campbell; along with his and Bonnie's beloved rescue German shepherd, Foxy.

Additionally, Gene will be remembered by his brothers, Vincent Kern and his wife Maryellen; William Kern and his wife Kay; sister Helen Felker; sister in law Marilyn Kern; brother in law Richard Smallcombe; brother in law, Howard Saltz, and his wife Maggie; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial service for Gene will be held at Howell- Lussi Funeral Home Inc., located at 509 Wyoming Avenue in West Pittston,  at 7p.m.   With Military Honors following the Service.  Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 4p.m until 7p.m.  Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations to be sent to the Gino Merli Veterans Center/Residents Welfare fund, in memory of Gene Kern Sr., which pays for special events and support for local veteran residents. https://www.dmva.pa.gov/paveteranshomes/Pages/ResidentsWelfareFund.aspx.