Eugene Wolosz, Musician, United States Army Veteran
Before Gene Wolosz, 70, died on May 25th after battling throat cancer, he asked that no obituary be published. So this is not an obituary despite how it might resemble one, please consider it a remembrance.
Gene was born in Worcester, the son of Mary and Henry Wolosz. He attended St. Mary's School and was a graduate of the former Classical High School and the College of the Holy Cross. On the day of his college graduation he received his draft notice, five months later he was deployed to Vietnam, serving in the Infantry with the United States Army. During his tour, Gene was wounded by a land mine and was awarded the Purple Heart.
After being discharged, Gene pursued his life long passion of music. As a youngster he first studied the accordion, then became an accomplished organ and piano player, writing and recording music along the way. For many decades Gene played it all, from American standards to rock, rhythm and blues, improvisational and jazz. It didn't matter where he played, whether large wedding gigs or small off the beaten path clubs. The musicians he played with were an extended family, sharing countless outrageous experiences. Many people were unaware that from childhood through his early twenties Gene was quite an artist drawing and painting many subjects. He then decided to focus on his music, because when he played he was where he loved to be.
For many years Gene worked as a Real Estate Appraiser, and also worked for 10 years for the City of Worcester as an assessor. He spoke highly of his co-workers, noting how hard civil servants worked despite how often they were devalued.
In 1984 Gene married his "favorite person in the world", Penelope. She felt blessed to care for him and enjoy his stomach busting, hilarious sense of humor during these last weeks. He passed peacefully and painlessly at home as was his wish.
Gene was loyal to, and loved every member of his family, and was passionate about his support of the United States, affectionate, caring and tough as nails.
In addition to his wife and mother, Gene is survived by his step-son David Farnell and his wife, Laurence and their children, Max and Siena of Toronto; his brother, Richard Wolosz of Boston, a sister, Karen Kudless of Turnersville, NJ and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, cousins and friends.
His family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the gifted workers at Beacon Hospice for their support and care, as well as the Palliative Care Team at UMass Medical Center. At his request there will be no services. A celebration of his life will be held at the end of August. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Veteran's Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME assisted the family with arrangements.