Eugene was born on September 24, 1940 in Newton to the late Emmett Carlton and Daisy Catherine (Brown) Whitesell. After graduation from Newton High School he went on to a culinary institute to hone his skills in culinary arts. Eugene began his career in a family business for 14 years and prior to his retirement he was a chef for McKeown’s in Branchville for 26 ½ years and a lifelong Branchville resident that was dedicated to his community.
Eugene was a Branchville United Methodist Church member and served as a trustee and was on several committee’s over the years and was on the Branchville Borough Planning Board in the 1970’s. Eugene was a member for over 50 years with the Kittatiny Masonic Lodge #164 where he was also a past grandmaster and a member of The Order of the Eastern Star. Eugene was an enthusiast for history was a member of the Dingmans Ferry Delaware Township Historical Society, Pike County Historical Society, Walpack Historical Society and Branchville Borough Historical Society.
A man that felt strongly about conservation, Eugene was a member of Friends of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. He was also a board member for the Delaware Cemetery Association.
The beloved husband of the late Ruth Ann Sisco Whitesell, Eugene was also predeceased by his siblings, Leona Ayers, Arthur B., John C., James E., Emmett C., Harry F. and Herbert F. Whitesell and his canine companions, Barnie and Jacks, who he loved as though they were his children. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Pamela Gaeng, John Whitesell, Paul Whitesell, Cathie Whitesell-Brake, Peter Whitesell, Herbert Whitesell, Brian Whitesell, Linda Harding, Marylou Whitesell, several great nieces and nephews and Jeffrey Lewis and his wife Linda, whom he thought of as “the son he never had”. Not only has he known Jeff since birth, Jeff had been his good friends and caregiver for the past 7 years.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Beemerville Cemetery, County Road 519, Wantage, NJ.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church in Branchville, 8 Broad Street, Branchville, NJ 07826 or Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, PO Box 232, Branchville, NJ 07826. Online condolences may be offered below.
