Eugene J. Sabatino 1932-2024

Eugene “Gene” was born Dec. 12, 1932, in Youngstown, the son of Anthony and Michelina Marinelli Sabatino.

Gene was a 1950 graduate of East High School and served his country as a U.S. Marine from 1950 to 1954.

He was appointed to the Youngstown Police Department in June 1960, promoted to detective in January 1970 and to lieutenant in October 1974. He took advanced training in law enforcement at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and graduated in December 1976.

He served two terms as FOP president before being promoted to captain in November 1980. He retired from his service with the Youngstown Police Department in September 1992, after 32 years in a profession that he truly loved. He later served as bailiff in the court of Judge Maureen Cronin.

Gene was an active member of the Trotters’ Chase HOA board, where he served as president for many years. He could be seen in his golf cart visiting his neighbors, causing a little mischief along the way. He resided here until the recent hospitalization at the time of his passing, making many great friends who to him were “family.”

He was a longtime member of St. Patrick Church in Youngstown, and most recently Holy Family Church. His faith was very important to him.

Gene loved spending time with family and friends, and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas Eve.

Gene was married to Rosemary, with whom he had a son, Anthony and daughter, Anna Maria, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by Anthony; nieces Mary Sanko, Christine (Greg) Thomas and Judy Balog; along with nephews, Louis (Debbie) and David (Mary) Arquilla. He was always happiest when visiting and listening to stories of his great-nieces and great-nephews and their children. His cousins, Grace (Pat) D’Andrea, Anthony and Adele Mortaro were also very special to him and he cherished the time spent with them.

Besides his daughter and his parents, Gene was preceded in death by wives, Mary and Carole; sisters, Pauline Arquilla and Adele Sanko; brother-in-law, Albert Arquilla; a very special aunt, Mary Mortaro; nieces, Michelle Conner and Judy DeMichael; and great-nieces, Lisa and Linda Bennett.

Friends may call 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman, with a funeral service immediately to follow.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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