Passed away September 5, 2023, at age of 94. Survived by his son Gene D. Wedel (Marilyn), daughter Susan L. Piedmont (Steven), granddaughter Jennifer L. Popham (Stephen), great granddaughter Wrenley, brothers and sister-in-law Gerald, Robert, & Betty Kingsley, many nieces & nephews, lifelong friend Betty (Davidson) Middlebrook.

Predeceased by his loving wife of 60 yrs. Beverly (Kingsley), parents Chester & Agnes (Woods), brother Robert, brothers & sisters-in-law, Bruce, Richard, Naomi, Anne, Elisabeth Kingsley, Jeannine, and lifelong friend George Middlebrook.

Gene graduated from East High School, Rochester, NY in 1947. He enlisted in the USAF serving 4 years, attaining rank of Staff Sergeant; thirteen months of which (1950-1951) were with the 5th Air Force in Korea. After leaving the service Gene worked in the R&D division of the Haloid Company - Xerox (1952-1957). He joined the Brighton Fire District as a firefighter in 1957. During a fire call in 1971 he suffered a severe injury which resulted in his finishing his career as Communications Officer, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1991 after 34 years of service.

Gene was a life member of the Ridge Webster VFW Post #9483, and the American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post #942. He was also a long-time member of the Genesee Conservation League. He loved the game of baseball and recreational softball for years in the Rochester area. He shared his love of bowling, golf and fishing with his wife Beverly who was skilled in each. The 1,000 Islands, NY were a source of much fun and relaxation for Gene & Bev. Boating and fishing in their Boston Whaler provided many cherished memories of time spent at their place at Fisher’s Landing. Gene will be remembered for his love of Death Valley National Park, he never tired of its beauty and striking contrast of landscapes. In 2014 Gene was offered the opportunity to join Honor Flight, Mission 37, with his beloved granddaughter Jennifer as his "Guardian”. They enjoyed an excellent and insightful experience from start to finish. Much gratitude to ALL the people involved that provide these missions for the Veterans.

A private burial for family and close friends will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans Outreach Center, 447 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 or Honor Flight Rochester Inc, PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692. To share a memory of Eugene or send a condolence to the family visit www.crawfordfuneralhome.com.