Obituary for Eugene Zapsky
Eugene Zapsky, 77, passed away on Monday, August 1st, 2022 at Conemaugh Hospital in Johnstown, Pa.
Gene was born on May 5th, 1945. He was a 1963 graduate of Madera High School and completed The Famous Artist Institute Courses Program in 1965.
He was an active reservist in the United States Army from 1964 to 1970.
Gene married his beloved wife, Connie (Gearhart) Zapsky in 1969. They spent 53 wonderful years together and have three children: Jennifer (John) Martinelli of New York, Shelly (Brett) Martin of Virgina, and Michael of Madera. Gene was also a Grandfather of five: Parker Zapsky and Rowan Martin both of Virginia as well as Alex, Lucas and Annika Martinelli of New York.
Gene was always a supportive, motivational, reliable and loving Husband, Father and Grandfather.
Gene was an avid reader, a natural athlete and talented artist. He loved to play sports, dance and enjoyed the great outdoors. In his 20's Gene developed a passion for the sport of Judo. After earning his degree as a black belt he became an instructor at Juniata College. He then brought the sport to the local community and created the Moshannon Valley Judo Club where many students learned Judo from him for many years.
Gene worked in road construction for the first half of his life. Beginning at an early age he worked with his family's company, Moshannon Paving. He later owned and operated his own company, Central Paving and finished his construction career as a head foreman for HRI of State College, Pa
Early in life, he exhibited a great artistic talent and excelled at drawing and painting. In his teens he began making epoxy projects that would lead to a career path later in life. His love of art turned into his business, Central Manufacturing Company. For over 30 years, he hand crafted thousands of resin gearshift knobs for automobiles and sold them at car shows all over the country. Eventually, this one of a kind product led to his online web site store, Flameball.com.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ann (Mayersky) of Madera and his brother, Albert G. Zapsky of Houtzdale. He is survived by his brother Francis (Sandy) Zapsky of Madera, his sister, Patricia Zapsky, of State College and his Sister-in-law, Tonya Mae Zapsky of Houtzdale.
Gene was known for his positive attitude, joyful disposition and good hearted nature. He was always there to lend a helping hand and was quick with a smile or a joke. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends. Ever humble, creative and extremely talented, he possessed a work ethic that was second to none with an intellect and a skill set to match. He was inspirational to many as a boss, teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. He was loved and respected by those who knew him. He touched our lives in ways that only he could. He will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at the Holy Trinity Church in Ramey, Pa. on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00 am. A military Service will be provided afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made using the web site everloved.com or mailed to Allegheny Spay and Neuter Animal Welfare Council in memory of Eugene Zapsky.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com
Gene was born on May 5th, 1945. He was a 1963 graduate of Madera High School and completed The Famous Artist Institute Courses Program in 1965.
He was an active reservist in the United States Army from 1964 to 1970.
Gene married his beloved wife, Connie (Gearhart) Zapsky in 1969. They spent 53 wonderful years together and have three children: Jennifer (John) Martinelli of New York, Shelly (Brett) Martin of Virgina, and Michael of Madera. Gene was also a Grandfather of five: Parker Zapsky and Rowan Martin both of Virginia as well as Alex, Lucas and Annika Martinelli of New York.
Gene was always a supportive, motivational, reliable and loving Husband, Father and Grandfather.
Gene was an avid reader, a natural athlete and talented artist. He loved to play sports, dance and enjoyed the great outdoors. In his 20's Gene developed a passion for the sport of Judo. After earning his degree as a black belt he became an instructor at Juniata College. He then brought the sport to the local community and created the Moshannon Valley Judo Club where many students learned Judo from him for many years.
Gene worked in road construction for the first half of his life. Beginning at an early age he worked with his family's company, Moshannon Paving. He later owned and operated his own company, Central Paving and finished his construction career as a head foreman for HRI of State College, Pa
Early in life, he exhibited a great artistic talent and excelled at drawing and painting. In his teens he began making epoxy projects that would lead to a career path later in life. His love of art turned into his business, Central Manufacturing Company. For over 30 years, he hand crafted thousands of resin gearshift knobs for automobiles and sold them at car shows all over the country. Eventually, this one of a kind product led to his online web site store, Flameball.com.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ann (Mayersky) of Madera and his brother, Albert G. Zapsky of Houtzdale. He is survived by his brother Francis (Sandy) Zapsky of Madera, his sister, Patricia Zapsky, of State College and his Sister-in-law, Tonya Mae Zapsky of Houtzdale.
Gene was known for his positive attitude, joyful disposition and good hearted nature. He was always there to lend a helping hand and was quick with a smile or a joke. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends. Ever humble, creative and extremely talented, he possessed a work ethic that was second to none with an intellect and a skill set to match. He was inspirational to many as a boss, teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. He was loved and respected by those who knew him. He touched our lives in ways that only he could. He will be forever in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at the Holy Trinity Church in Ramey, Pa. on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 at 11:00 am. A military Service will be provided afterwards. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made using the web site everloved.com or mailed to Allegheny Spay and Neuter Animal Welfare Council in memory of Eugene Zapsky.
Condolences may be made at www.kruise-spewock.com