Sutton
Eugene ‘Gene’ Zabinski, 73, of Sutton passed away quietly at home on November 29, 2019, Gene is survived by his wife Donna (Merrill) Trottier Decoteau, his first wife Judith (Menard), and their daughter Hadley.
He is also survived by his sister Joyce Sentance, nephew Warren Sentance and wife Sue, step-children Michael Trottier and wife Lisa, David Trottier, and Christine Trottier Stanhope and partner Jonathan Yedinak,
Step-grandchildren Brian Trottier Walsh and wife Meg, Mackenzie Stanhope, Jon Michael, Jesse, and Kendralyn Trottier.
Gene was the son of Roger and Julia (Kovaleski) Zabinski and grew up in the Kelley Square neighborhood of Worcester. He arrended St. Mry’s elementary and high school and was a member of the basketball team.
Known as the ‘Kielbasa Kids’, won the 1964 New England High School Basketball Championship at Boston Garden.
He attended Worcester Junior College and joined the USAF. He returned home from service and married. Gene graduated from Quinigamond Community College and Nichols Collage with a degree in
Business Management and a major in Accounting.
Gene preferred to work in the carpentry business and had a small team that constructed and remodeled buildings from Loon Mountain, N.H. to Martha’s Vineyard. He was also a member of the Charlton Lions Club and was
Instrumental in having traffic lights installed on route 20 in Charlton.
Upon retiring, Gene followed his passion doing historical research focused on the Blackstone Canal in Worcester. He joined the Canal District Alliance and served as the treasurer for 6 years and president for the past 2 years.
Through a grass roots post card campaign, Gene and his wife Donna were instrumental in enticing the Pawtucket Red Sox to become the Worcester Red Sox.
Gene will be greatly missed not only for his quirky sense of humor and wacky ideas, but also for his warmth, integrity and dependability.
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers and condolences, please continue to support the transition of the Woo Sox to the city of Worcester.
The ROBERT J. MILLER-OXFORD FUNERAL HOME, 247 Main St. is assisting Gene’s family with arrangements.