Obituary of Eugene Frank Mancuso
Eugene “Gene” Frank Mancuso of Richmond Hill, GA passed away early in the morning of February 10, 2024. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, of a heart attack in his sleep. He was 55 years old.
Gene was born October 21, 1968, in Metuchen, NJ. He was talented in so many aspects of his life. He was a genius with words and writing and would speak of how one day he was going to write a book. His wit was razor sharp and was known to say the most shocking thing he could think of, in hopes of helping you see a new perspective (or just get a reaction out of you). He was kind, generous, and compassionate. Even when he spoke in anger, he was often the first to apologize and try to heal what was broken. He struggled with the concept of tough love and was fiercely private. From the day his first child was born, everything changed. His family was his sole focus and meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. There was never a day that went by he didn’t brag about his son and daughter. His passion for learning extended into various careers as an owner/operator and nightclub manager. He valued loyalty, authenticity, and honesty. He was selfless and put others first.
Gene was a loving husband and father dedicated to his family and is survived by his wife of over 21 years, Jodi. They met in Elizabeth, NJ and married in 2004 in New Orleans, LA. He was the proud father to his son Robert (17) and daughter Annabella (16). He worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved every day; he has two sisters-Florence Matlock of Florida and Rachel Kinsey and husband Joe of Avenel, NJ and two sisters-in-laws-Jami Linehan and husband Brian (Mackenzie and Cassidy) of Chester, NJ and Robyn Villano and husband Brian (Shayna) of Nutley, NJ and mother-in-law Heide Stein as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rose Mancuso, father-in-law Robert Stein, grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom he has now returned to.
He loved any and all music. That is how he chronicled his life and was an expression of his emotions. He loved the color purple, gatherings with specific guest lists, spending time at home with his wife, 2 children and pets, a roaring firepit paired with a Java cigar and sitting by the pool watching the birds and squirrels fight over the seeds he would feed them every day. He hated being the center of attention.
Many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He was a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing to others, and even a pain in the neck (to a small select few) but once you were marked as important to him, he’d be by your side if you needed him. There was so much more to him than just dad. He was a husband, son and son-in-law, friend, a co-worker and colleague, a brother and brother-in-law, a cousin, an uncle, and possibly his most well-known title, Coach. He loved coaching youth wrestling, baseball, and softball. Gene dedicated almost 2 decades to coaching Bobby and Bella’s teams. That brought him so much joy.
He would always say to remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. He will be missed more than words could express but he will be forever in our hearts until we meet again. These words cannot possibly sum up the life of such a caring person, but a glimpse into knowing him. He is the kind of soul that stays with you forever.
A memorial gathering will be held at South Plainfield Funeral Home, 2456 Plainfield Avenue South Plainfield NJ 07080 on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 5-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gene’s children’s college funds, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the ASPCA.