Uncle Geno

Sergeant First Class Eugene “Geno” A. DiFondi Jr. passed away unexpectedly in Sun City, Arizona on August 7, 2015 at the age of 73.

Gene is survived by his wife, Valeri DiFondi of Sun City, AZ; his children, Christopher (Robin) DiFondi of New Hartford, NY, Mary DiFondi of Utica, NY, Michelle (Ron) Woodcock of Pennellville, NY, Beth DiFondi of Verona, NY, Eugene DiFondi III of Lansdale, PA, Anthony (Patty) DiFondi of Lansdale, PA, Karen (Mike) Sorrell of Rome, NY, and Robert (Cara) Hoyle of Deerfield, NY, his step-children Amanda Bonczyk, Worcester, MA and Austin Bonczyk, Worcester, MA.; his siblings, Jude DiFondi of Dewey, AZ, and Cynthia Nistico of Frankfurt, NY, and half siblings Raymond DiFondi, of Meza, AZ, Jean O’Connor of Forestport, NY and Peter DiFondi of Buffalo, NY and step-mother Carmela DiFondi of Utica, NY. He had many grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Geno deeply loved his golden retriever Maggie, whom he trained as a therapy dog. He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene DiFondi Sr. and his mother, Madeline DiFondi, both of Utica, NY, and his siblings, Anthony, Russell, and Ronald and grandson Nicholas Horton.

Geno was born on May 13, 1942 in Utica, New York. He graduated from the State University of NY (SUNY) in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. He married Valeri Bonczyk in 2006. Geno served in the Armed Forces for 31 years. He was the second DiFondi to serve his country, just as his father did. His children will remember him as a driven father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He will always be remembered for his larger than life attitude, with a flair for laughter and crazy antics. His fellow Soldiers will always remember him for his dedication to our country and his military units and for helping his Soldiers achieve their goals.

Geno was passionate about helping others and often volunteered his free time. He frequently donated goods to homeless shelters. Geno performed over 4000 hours of volunteer service with the America Red Cross in Utica, NY and was Volunteer of the Year from 1990 - 1991. In 1996, Geno was one of 5000 "Community Hero's" chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in the 1996 Summer Olympics for his involvement in community projects. He loved guns and shooting and was dedicated to the preservation of the Second Amendment. He was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

There will be a service held at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a future date to be determined.