Eugene R. “Geno” Vish, age 93, of Plano, TX and long-time resident of Sewickley, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Silverado Care Community. He was born in Barnesboro on May 15, 1924 to the late Dominic and Concetti (Mendicino) Vescio. Dominic and Concetti, came to America through Ellis Island, when their surname was changed to Vish. Gene married the love of his of life in 1947, Mary M. (Donovan) Vish, who passed on November 8, 2013.  Part of the greatest generation, Eugene “Geno” Vish was a WWII Veteran, who served in D Battery of the 581st Anti-Aircraft Artillery unit in Germany from 1942-1945. His service started when he was drafted into the Army at the age of 18. He trained at Ft. Eustis, Virginia and was assigned the role of a loader/firer on 37 mm and 40 mm anti-aircraft guns. He was part of the longest march in Europe leaving the British port and arrived in Germany, only to be strafed by German jets within minutes of arriving on station. Pvt. 1st Class Vish’s unit was chartered with protecting the famous Remagen Bridge to allow convoys to continue providing the United States and Allied Forces with supplies. Gene’s military service ended with the conclusion of the war and he returned to the States along with four other brothers who also served.  He had an illustrious career with Sherwin-Williams Paint Company as a Branch Manager in Ambridge and Moon Township for over 32 years. He retired from Sherwin-Williams at the age of 62 and began his second career as a ranger/marshal at Blackhawk Golf Course where he worked for an additional 20 years. In April of 2015, he moved to the Conservatory, an independent living community at Plano Texas. Geno made lots of new friends and spent many days with Skip and Nancy and their children (Victoria and Anthony). He was honored by the appointment of Ambassador for The Conservatory and welcomed new and prospective residents to the community. He was an avid Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan and enjoyed playing golf for as long as he could. Gene will be sorely missed by his Texas family and friends as well as his family in Sewickley-especially his daughter Maureen and husband Lou Valenzi. Gene was beloved father of six, Mary Kathryn Giaquinta (Robert) of Delaware, Carol Daque of Boston, MA, Maureen Valenzi (Louis) of Sewickley, Gina McCullough (Gerald) of Saxonburg, Eugene “Skip” R. Vish (Nancy) of Allen, TX and Lori Stearns (Fritz) of Butler, PA; 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; cherished brother of Vera O’Donnell (Tom) of CA and Frank Vish of South Heights. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ted, Albert, Dominic, Robert, Dennis, Orlando, Louis, Renaldo and sisters, Bea, Stella and Bertha. Visitation Friday (August 18) 6-9 PM at Copeland’s Sewickley, 702 Beaver St. where prayers will be recited on Saturday (August 19) at 12:30 PM followed by Mass at St. James Church at 1 PM.  Rev. W. David Nestler, ofm, cap, celebrant. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery with military honors.

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