Gene Badlato

Gene Badlato lived a fruitful, blessed life. He was successful in his career, married a wonderful woman, and had four lovely children and six exceptional grandchildren. He and Catherine had been married 68 years when she passed away in 2018.

The first in his family to go to college, Gene graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Engineering. He joined the Navy during World War II while he was in college, entering the Navy’s Seabee division, the Construction Battalion. After active duty, he served in the Navy Reserves for 20 years.

Gene loved entertaining people. When he and Catherine moved into a senior community in their sixties, he took on the role of planning variety shows for the residents in which he was the Master of Ceremonies and acted in comedy skits while Catherine shared her singing talent.

In retirement, he volunteered at a local food pantry, with the Small Business Administration, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. He took up painting and produced many works of art for his family. Dedicated to exercise, he played tennis until he was 87!

Gene had a positive attitude. Through all the struggles of recent years, he kept smiling and joking. When he saw someone who looked sad, he always made it a point to say something to make them smile. He seemed to understand that some things you have to accept and deal with the best you can.

As a lover of nature and animals, he found joy and peace watching the birds. In recent months he said that his two favorite pastimes were sleeping and watching the birds.

His family celebrates his life, and Heaven welcomes him home.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Long Island Cares or the church of your choice would be appreciated.