Gene M. Vandusen, 63, of Pleasant Twp., Warren, PA., died Tuesday morning, February 27, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio, after an extended illness. He was born March 3, 1960, in Arlington, Delaware. He was the son of George and Jean West Vandusen. Gene has resided in Warren, PA., since 2000. He was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Kingsford, Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Skidmore College. He served for 22 years with the U.S. Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer, retiring in April of 2000. He was employed with the former G.T.E. Sylvania and was an operator of the Seneca Power Plant, retiring from there after 18 years employment. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, ice fishing, bowling, and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jidge Insao Vandusen, whom he married, July 31, 1995, in Santa Rita, Guam, 2 Brothers – Gary Vandusen and wife, Darlene of Bonita Springs, FL., Carl Vandusen of Kingsford, Michigan, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Tracy Vandusen.
Family will receive friends on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. A funeral and committal service will be conducted on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Dale Haight, officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the U.S. Navy and the Clarendon/Sheffield, Warren V.F.W. Honor Guard. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through American Kidney Foundation, kidneyfund.org
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
I find that this feels not just blatantly disrespectful but almost purposely hurtful to his family that is not even mentioned. Gene has a daughter and a son. As well as 2 grandchildren. Being denied the curtousy of time and opportunity to say goodbye or attend his service is an awful thing but to also be completely written out of his obituary is inhumane.
Jackie, I am Ginas sister-in-law. Gina did everything she could to get a hold of your brother, including calling your mother. She gave him Gene Michael’s phone number and Gena called him three times and finally got ahold of him, she said that she would gladly buy him a ticket if he wanted to come to the funeral to say goodbye to his dad for the last time. She told him to get a hold of his work and see if he could have some bereavement leave. He said he would call her back but instead he texted her saying “ I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to attend “ Gina is grieving right now, please give her grace as she goes through this process. You and your brother have been estranged from your father for a very long time, it as a honest mistake.
Jackie, I’m a former brother in law to Gene. I can recall a conversation we had about his children and how he was alienated from them by their mother. I believe he would have wanted them mentioned here I’m not sure if anyone knew how to go about it. While the circumstances of the separation made him sad, it’s a fact that if his children ever needed anything from the Gene I knew he would have provided it. If you came to visit you would have been welcome with open arms. He would have insisted on paying for the trip. But I guess it’s too late for any of those things.
Adult decisions have adult consequences. Gene’s children didn’t have time for him in life, why should it matter if they got a mention in his death. This falls solely on his children. It is their fault his grandchildren will not know grandpa. Quit with the butt hurt snowflake drama and accept responsibility.
There is but one tragedy here. Gene passed without his children there by his side. Don’t act dramatic when you’ns couldn’t be bothered.
Gene was a patriot, go with God and rest in peace Chief!
I have lost a decent friend, and I never knew it till today. I also didn’t know he had children from a previous marriage. May my friend rest in peace and hopefully now he can see his children from where ever he has gone in spirit. My best to his wife, Gina.