Gene L. English, age 69, of Woburn, passed away Saturday morning in his home following a lengthy illness. Born in Woburn he was the son of the late Mary (Scaleri) and Santo Inglese. Gene was a life long resident of Woburn and was a member of the Woburn High School Graduating Class of 1952. Gene served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. Following his separation from active duty he began working in the construction industry as a stone mason. Construction became his lifes work and he continued working as a general contractor and real estate developer. He was the owner and operator of the GENCO Construction Development Co. wich he ran for many years. For the past ten years Gene was the owner and operator of Woodworkers Wood´N Things which specialized in furniture repair and refinishing. Also known as the “Shop”, a frequent stop for his family and friends to enjoy a cup of coffe and good conversation. He became a local celebrity from his television shows on Woburn´s local cable channel.
Gene was very active in the Woburn community. He served from 1972 to 1977 as a School Committee member and also served as an Alderman at Large from 1977 to 1983. Gene was the founder of the Woburn Guild of Artists wich recently recognized him at their 40th aniversery. He was also a co-founder of the Italian-American Charitable Organization. Gene was very active with Woburn Host Lions Club. He was a past president of the club and a recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian services. Gene was also honored when he was selected to be the Honorary Parade Marshall for the 48th Annual Halloween Parade. Gene was an avid golfer, he loved music and art and loved to entertain.It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Gene´s memory to the MA Lions Eye Research Fund Inc. P.O. Box 6050, c/o PDG William T. Murphy Treasurer, New Bedford, MA 22742 or to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (Dean). Daughters; Elaine Reidy and her husband William of Reading, and Julie Gerety of Woburn and her fiance Joseph Borden. Sons; David English and his wife Jane of Woburn, Glenn English and his wife Sarah of Lynnfield. Loving grandfather of Kristen Gerety, Lauren and Kathryn Reidy, Emily and David English and the late Kevin Reidy. Brother of Josephine Gorrasi-Wallace of Woburn and the late Walter LaPlante. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home 60 Pleasant St. Woburn, Wednesday at 9 AM. Followed by funeral mass celebrated in St. Charles Church 280 Main St. Woburn, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 thru 8. services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Woburn.