Eugene E. Cecchetti, 90, returned to his heavenly home Thursday, April 8, 2021. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God blessed him throughout his life and ultimately gave him peace at the end. Eugene was born Aug. 8, 1930, in Arnold, a son to the late Frank and Linda (Buonopane) Cecchetti. He graduated from Indiana University of PA with a teaching degree and went on to marry the woman of his dreams, Karin, while serving his country in Germany in 1956. They eventually settled in New Kensington, while raising the large traditional Italian family. Eugene greatly enjoyed his world travels with Karin over many years, especially the annual trips to Atlantic City and Ocean City, Md. Some of his legendary skills while on this earth were crushing softballs at the Cecchetti Farm, making his epic homemade meatballs and proudly serving his country in the Army Reserves. His most absolute pride and joy in life was his family. Although more of a quiet personality, he was always there to support his parents, siblings, wife and children. Eugene was a member of Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, New Kensington. Eugene served as a field artillery officer for the Army Reserves, having served from 1954-1962. Eugene devoted 37 years as a teacher and administrator for the Highlands School District. He also provided a tax preparation service dating from 1982 through 2020. Eugene enjoyed mentoring and helping others in all aspects of his work. He had his own high standard of providing outstanding work in whatever he did and if he mentored you, he expected the same effort of giving your best. He had unlimited patience to make sure the job was done right. Eugene enjoyed watching Jeopardy and doing crossword puzzles. He loved all Italian food (ravioli), fish (mussels) and snacks (pudding donuts from Oakmont Bakery and caramel popcorn from Fishers on OC Boardwalk). Eugene enjoyed the many weekends spent at the Cecchetti Farm in Logansport with his parents and siblings, cutting acres of grass, grilling for the extended family and helping Nona tend to her garden, as they constantly battled the hungry deer from eating her home grown vegetables. Eugene truly treasured spending his time with Karin, especially while enjoying their daily morning breakfast of hot coffee, and fresh Italian bread smothered in peanut butter and jelly. Eugene is survived by his wife, Karin Cecchetti, of 65 years; sons, Gene (Linda), Mark and Robert (Mary) Cecchetti, and daughters, Michelle (Al) Calhoun and Lisa (Chris) Simon; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, in addition to siblings, Mario (Teresa), Virginia and Gloria (Dario). Preceding his death were his parents, Frank and Linda Cecchetti; and siblings, Elmo, Richard, Alfred and Ilma Cecchetti. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, at the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., JohnPaul Bertucci, owner/supervisor, 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold. Prayers of transfer will take place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. To leave an online condolence, visit www.giunta-bertucci.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Eugene C. Cecchetti, please visit our floral store.