It is with great sadness that we report the passing Saturday of our long-time Rotarian and friend, Gene Acri.
 
Our sincerest prayers and condolences are extended to Anita and the Acri family.
 
 
 
 
 
Eugene J. Acri Sr., 71, of Sugarloaf Township entered into eternal rest Saturday at his residence.
Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Eugene V. and Rose (Sigro) Acri and member of the Church of St. John Bosco, Conyngham.
Gene was a graduate of Hazleton High School, Class of 1962, Residential Electronics Training School in Philadelphia and Vale Training Solutions in Harrisburg.
He became a sales representative and manager of Prudential Insurance Co. and, later, vice president of Billig-Helmes Insurance Associates, Hazleton. He established the business of American Loss Adjustment Services (ALAS) in 1992 and retired in 2015.
Gene was a member of the 553rd Air National Guard Band and a well-known percussionist in the Greater Hazleton area. He played with Al’s Rhythm Men for many years, was a member of the Greater Hazleton Philharmonic Orchestra and Big Band, and had the honor of playing for Pope John Paul II in Vatican City.
Actively involved in the community, Gene served as president and director of the Jaycees, establishing many projects and fundraising activities. Later he became a member and director of the Rotary Club of Hazleton and the Rotary Foundation. A Paul Harris Fellow, Gene was recently welcomed into the Ballard Society for his years of service to the club and community.
In his spare time, Gene was a master wood craftsman. His family and friends benefited by the gifting of his craft and knowledge of electronics, plumbing and construction. He also enjoyed amateur photography.
Eugene was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his brother, Joseph.
He is survived by his lifelong sweetheart and wife, the former Anita Davis. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this October. Also surviving are his son, Eugene, and his children, Dr. Morganne, Mallory and A1C Christopher; daughter, Debra, her husband, Brenten, and daughters, Grace and Sophia; great-grandchildren, Allison and Zachary; brother-in-law, Edward L. Davis Jr., and sisters-in-law, Cecelia Davis and Geraldine Mitcho; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. John Bosco, Conyngham. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. Family and friends are invited to call before Mass from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Church of St. John Bosco.
McCune Funeral Home, Mountain Top, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.