Eugene J. Alassi

Eugene J. Alassi, 90, of Storrs, Connecticut passed away peacefully with loving members of his family at his side on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born on February 1, 1924 in Francavilla al Mare, Italy, the eldest of 3 children born to Maria and Antonio Alassi. A student in the Mansfield Public Schools, from his arrival in America in 1932, and a student at Windham Technical High School, a member of the greatest generation, Gene enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. He was a Boatswain Mate, Second Class, and served in the Pacific Theatre of Operation. He remained in the Navy until 1946. While in high school Gene worked part time at the University of Connecticut. Upon his return from military service, he went back to work at UConn, managing the Central Warehouse on the Storrs Campus, and worked there until his retirement in 1975. Although retired Gene kept on working in several different and exacting jobs. He also held a pilot's license; he flew small aircraft for his personal enjoyment. Harley Davidson motorcycles were among his favorite modes of transportation too. A self-made, Renaissance man, Gene was able to build and fix just about anything. He built his first home and a favorite memory of his family is that he never called a repair person. On October 26, 2013 Gene and his loving wife celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They were married at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Waterbury in 1946. Gene lost his loving wife, Mary in November of 2013. For many years Gene and Mary wintered in Haines City, FL. Gene was an avid reader of history and also enjoyed and played many sports. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut basketball and football. He was a scorekeeper for basketball games at Hawley Armory in the 1930's at UConn. Gene was a 66 year member of St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel in Storrs, long-time member and officer of VFW Post 9800 in Mansfield and in later years, the VFW Post in Willington, CT. Gene is survived by his daughters, Jeanne and her husband Phil Monty of Willington, Carol and her husband Tim Hall of Wethersfield, grandchildren Christopher Monty (Danielle) of Storrs, Anthony Hall (Monica) of New Britain, and Jessica (Ryan) Connelly of North Carolina, and great-granddaughters Alexis and Julia Hall. He is survived by his sisters Grace Matt, and Elizabeth (Joseph) Csiki. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Roberta, Paul, JoAnne, Margaret, Jane, Peter, Joelle, Louis, Susan, Joey, Joseph, Kathie and Carolyn Joy as well as many great nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his parents Maria and Antonio Alassi, What everyone knows and will miss about Gene is his kind and loving concern for all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM), P.O. Box 221, Willimantic, CT 06226. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT on Thursday, January 29, 2015 between 5:00 and 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 North Eagleville Rd. in Storrs on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 10:00am with assembly at the church. Interment will follow in Storrs Cemetery.