Eugene J. Slabinski, RN & SMSgt USAF (Ret), age 90, of Hanover Township, passed into the hands of the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2020 at The Hampton House, Hanover Township, joining his late wife, Carol S. in their Father’s Heavenly Mansion.
Born in Hanover Township in 1929, he was son of the late Anthony (Pat) and Anna A (Stadulis) Slabinski. He was a graduate of Hanover High School 1948 and Luzerne County Community College where he received his Registered Nurse degree. He was a member of St. Casmir’s R.C. Church of Lyndwood and SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, Plymouth, PA.
A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War, Gene retired after 30 years serving in the United States Army and then Air Force. He was awarded numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Commendation Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, United Nations Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was awarded the following badges: Chief Aircrew Member, Master Parachutist, and Combat Crew.
He was a member of the U.S. Air Rescue Association, USAF Para Rescue Association, Para Rescue Association of Canada, Parachute Regimental Association “Lothian Branch” Scotland, VFW 5267 and 283, AmVets Post 59, DAV Chapter 11, Wilkes-Barre Medical Center Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Volunteer Service (Military Order of the Cooties), American Legion Post 350, and Northeast Chapter 82nd ABN Division, Breslau Hose Co. #5, Hanover Township Ambulance Association and an American Red Cross
Instructor.
Gene is known for his passionate 18,632 volunteer hours at the V.A. Hospice Unit, his advocacy for veterans and civic involvement in his local community. A world traveler, his sense of adventure and compassion was passed onto his children. He enjoyed attending the US and Canadian Pararescue reunions , sitting on his swing and talking and waving to the neighbors as they passed by. In the winter, he could be found sitting in front of the coal stove. He looked forward to the Annual Slabinski Family
Reunion barbeque, critiquing his son-in- law’s cooking skills, and his fondness for chicken fingers, pierogies, potato pancakes, and anise cookies.
He is preceded in death by his late wife Carol S., his brothers; Vincent “Zack” and Anthony “Noony” Slabinski, and his sister Dorothy Boyson.
Surviving are his children: Frank (Susan Schinse) Slabinski, Mount Joy, PA; Carol Slabinski, Sacramento, CA; Anne (Don) Slabinski Goltz, Sterling, MI; Robert (Theone) Slabinski, Warrenton, OR; William Slabinski, Hanover Township, PA; Dortha (Ronald) Bienick, Larksville, PA; Dorothy (Dave) Hare, Texas; Dolores (Michael) Moleski, Kingston, PA; grandchildren: Frank Slabinski Jr. and Calvin Roach of Conshohocken, PA; Steven Slabinski (Julie Meehan) Lancaster, PA; Rebekah Goltz (Jason Stephenson),
Belgium, Nicole Goltz, Portland, OR; Stephanie Kluk, Warrior Run,PA; Jared and Renee Hare, Texas; great grandsons; Jude and Owen Slabinski, Lancaster, PA; sister-in-law Dolores Slabinski, New Jersey; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Unit of the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration Medical Center, East End Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.
Family and friends may call Sunday, June 14, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main Street, Plymouth. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family followed by interment in St Mary's Cemetery in Hanover Twp. on Monday, June 15.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
To submit online condolences to Gene’s Family, please visit: www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.
Mail cards to:
Dolores Moleski
1 Pulaski Street
Kingston, PA 18704
