Eugene John Lessick 1932-2026

Eugene was born March 28, 1932, in Smock, Pa., a son of the late Joseph Lessick and Anna Fada Lessick. He grew up in Pennsylvania and spent most of his life in the Youngstown area before relocating to Florida 12 years ago.

He was a 1950 graduate of South Union High School in Uniontown, Pa. A gifted athlete, Eugene excelled in both baseball and football and had the opportunity to play minor league baseball. Instead, he chose to move to Youngstown in 1950, where he would build a life centered on family and hard work.

Eugene was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon returning home, he settled on Youngstown’s West Side, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Fabry, a 1951 graduate of The Rayen School. The two shared 59 years of marriage until her passing in 2014.

He worked as a diemaker for Chrysler Corp. in Twinsburg for 39 years and was also a licensed barber, a skill that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication.

Gene was a longtime member of St. Rose Church in Girard and a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Girard Council, reflecting his strong faith and commitment to his community.

In his later years, Eugene enjoyed a fulfilling life in Bonita Springs, Florida, where he resided at his son’s condominium. He was a familiar and beloved presence, spending his days playing bocce, visiting the casino and socializing with the many friends he made along the way. Known affectionately as the “Mayor of the Pool,” Gene brought laughter, stories and companionship to all who knew him.

Eugene leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Dr. James (Cathy) Lessick; his grandson, Kyle Lessick; his special companion, Marie Antos; his dear friends in Florida, Jack and Jean Crowley; his sister-in-law, Frances Tkach; his brother-in-law, Orlando Iacobucci; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; his brothers, Albert (Anita) Lessick, Edward (Joyce) Lessick, Frank (Ann) Lessick, William (Charlotte) Lessick, Charles (Ann) Lessick and Joseph Lessick; and his sisters, Pauline (Connie) Moriarty and Francis Joy.

Family and friends may pay their respects 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road, Poland. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. A luncheon will follow.

A committal service with military honors will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown, where Gene will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share memories and to send condolences to Gene’s family.

(special notice)