Eugene “Gene” Edward Colwell Sr.

Gene, born in Huntington, New York in 1931, was a master carpenter, an avid fisherman and photographer, and a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his bright smile, sparkling blue eyes and love and dedication to his family and friends.

He is survived by Ann, his wife of nearly 69 years; his daughters, Sandy and Shelley; his two son-in-laws, Tony and Chris; his six grandchildren and their spouses: Gene (Ashley), Kim (Tony), Annie, Tony (Laura), Kayley and Jackson; and eight great-grandchildren: Sam, Journey, Maya, Merritt, Grace, Leo, David and Grayson. He was predeceased by his son, Eugene E. Colwell Jr.

Gene Colwell attended Huntington High School before enlisting in the army in 1952 to serve active duty in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in August 1954. In September 1954 he married Ann Mattiucci and they began their lives together in Huntington, where they lived until 2006.

Gene was a master carpenter for more than 50 years with J. Petrocelli Construction and a proud member of the Carpenters Union. He was very proud of projects such as the 56 Fighter Group Restaurant in Farmingdale, NY; a concert hall for Queens College; and hundreds of restaurants, residential facilities and homes built across Long Island.

After becoming a Florida “snowbird” in 1998, Gene picked up new hobbies and enjoyed going to the beach almost daily, fishing off the jetty, riding his bike, tinkering in his workshop and making friends with the neighborhood dogs. He loved attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s many sporting events and was always there to cheer them on.

Donations in Gene’s memory can be made to H.A.L.T. (Horse Assisted Learning & Therapy), a non-profit created by Gene’s grandson’s wife Ashley. For more information, visit https://www.halt2help.com/