Eugene Pape

The first child of Joseph and Ruby Pape (Gillespie), he was born on September 22, 1947 on Staten Island. “Gentleman” Gene became engaged to Rosalie (Armocida) on Valentine’s Day 1970 and they were married on November 28th, 1970. He was predeceased by his wife Rosalie.

He was the proud father of Pamela Sarzen (Art), Joseph (Cristina) and Debbie; and the incredibly proud grandfather of Sammy Sarzen, Christopher and Valentina Pape; brother of Raymond Pape and Eleanor (Rainer) Luerssen (Deceased); brother-in-law of Michael (Brena) and Connie Armocida and uncle to six nieces and nephews.

Gene graduated from Curtis High School in 1965 and was then drafted into the US Army in 1967. He served overseas in Germany earning the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge.

After his honorable discharge in 1969, he began a long, successful career on Wall Street. He started out at the American Stock Exchange, moving to the New York Stock Exchange, where he became a Member and the Head Floor Broker for Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, retiring in 2003.

Rosalie and Gene first lived on Staten Island, NY, moving to Lakewood, NJ, then onto Manasquan, NJ where he was part of the heart and soul of the Laurel Hill Estates. From leading the marching band on St. Patrick's Day to dressing up as Santa's Elf while driving Santa around in a convertible, despite the temperature.

They then “retired” to Waretown, NJ which allowed Gene and Rosalie to spend quality time enjoying brie and apples with each other nightly, having playful banter over what type of apples to get. Later on, Gene would also enjoy weekly gatherings for Pasta Tuesdays and the Friday Bloody Mary Lunch Crew.

For those that knew him, he was unapologetically “Gene Pape”; tough, funny and kind. A man of his word, stubborn, generous, dedicated, a hard worker (and played harder), faithful and loyal. He was a simple man in many ways, never wanting for fancy items nor the latest and greatest. Rather, he preferred just what was tried true and reliable. He loved God and he loved America. An avid Yankees and Bears fan,he enjoyed many other teams and sports in general, remembering players and stats like few could.

But above all, he loved being a grandfather. Always checking in on his grandchildren, what were they up to, did they need anything, encouraging them, celebrating their successes and would frequently cut out and send articles of interest to each of them.

A Visitation will be held at the Church of St. Rose in Belmar, NJ. On April 11 at 9:45AM- 10:45AM. Memorial Mass will be at 10:45AM till 11:45AM. Interment will follow at St. Catharine Cemetery, Spring Lake, NJ. For more information or to post a tribute online, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Pape family requests you be kind, respectful and generous to everyone you meet and think of Gene when you do. And for those who would like, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Gene at https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/In-Memory-of-Eugene-Pape