Eugene R. "Gene" Bianco, of Sharon, passed away peacefully late Saturday evening, February 2, 2019, in his residence, surrounded by family. He was 82.

Mr. Bianco was born August 9, 1936, in Sharon, a son of the late Rosario and Anna Rose Bianco. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Sharon High School in 1956.

Gene retired in 1993 from Sharon Steel's former Farrell plant. He began working at the plant as a welder, and for several years prior to his retirement served as president of Steelworkers Local 1197, Sharon. Gene constantly put other's needs prior to his own, and this was most evident in his pursuit of the E.S.O.P. and pension funds owed to the members of Steelworkers Local 1197 years after the plant closed.

Gene was a member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon.

He was also a member of the Italian Home Club, Farrell; K. of C., Council 684, Sharon; Piedmont Club, Johnsonburg, PA; American Legion, Wilcox, PA; and the St. Mary Sportsman Club, St. Mary, PA.

Gene played an integral role in the construction of the Kennedy Christian Jr. Wrestling Program's new fieldhouse and its inaugural Jr. Wrestling tournament in Hermitage. He also served on the Jr. Wrestling Council of PA in Area 6, and was a member of the Sharon Wrestling Boosters Club.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing with his brothers and sons, especially at Camp Siro (named after his father) in Glen Hazel, PA, or at the family cottage in Pymatuning, PA.

Above all else, Gene was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 62 years, the former Judith L. "Judy" Chiccarino, Sharon; a daughter, Anna (Darren) Gilson, Hermitage; three sons, John (Marjorie) Bianco, Hubbard, OH, and Eugene (Norann) Bianco and Tony (Holly) Bianco, all of Hermitage; a brother, Raymond Bianco, Sharon; 11 grandchildren, Mariah Bianco, and Ian Pinkerton and Mackenzie (Steven) Roose; Matthew and Noah Bianco; Annalise and Camille Bianco; and Bianca and Ava Chaser, and Darrian and Gina Marie Gilson. Also surviving are three sister-in-laws, Linda (Tom) Metts, Terri (Fran) Lengyel and Deenie (Corky) Costar; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two daughters, Gina Maria Bianco and infant Tina Marie Bianco; a sister, Frances Vallente-DiPiero; a brother, Rosario "Rosy" (Dolores) Bianco; his step father, Howard "Butch" Hoover; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Bianco.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sharon Regional Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness and exceptional care.

Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Sharon Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 1955 Shenango Valley Fwy, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (2-6-19) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, as celebrant. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church.

Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.