Eugene Jacob Winter

Eugene Jacob "Gene" Winter, 85, of Warren, died Thursday, March 13, 2008 at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland. He was born November 10, 1922 in Celina, Ohio, the son of Clarence J. and Sarah (Pond) Winter, and had lived in the Warren area since 1951.

Mr. Winter served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later in the Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of Commander. He graduated from Ohio University and began his career as a math teacher and football coach. He retired from Packard Electric as a product engineer in 1982.

For many years, he was a member of First United Methodist Church , where he sang in the choir, and served on the finance committee and as an usher. He also belonged to Old Erie Lodge #3, F. & A.M., the Shriners, Elks Lodge #295, and the Reserve Officers Association.

A lover of music, he sang in the church choir and, for over 25 years, in the annual community Messiah chorus. Later, he played handbells at Shepherd of the Valley. He enjoyed a good game of bridge or gin rummy, and he loved his Ohio State Buckeyes.

Together, he and Sudie took great pride in their family and their family of friends. They corresponded regularly, over the years and decades, with old and valued friends. They were known for their warmth and hospitality, sharing happy times, food, and homemade fudge with many.

Surviving are his daughters: Beth (Stephen) LaMantia of Lakewood, Vicki Winter (Fred Maccaron) of North Kingstown, R.I., and Brenda Antenucci of Warren; seven grandchildren: Michael (Dawnya), Matthew (Lisa), and Amy LaMantia, Rebecca (Jerime) Loyd, and Nick, Anthony, and Laura Antenucci; and three great-grandchildren: Emma Mae and Jacob Michael LaMantia, and Kirsten Winter Loyd. Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife, Virginia Mae "Sudie" Winter, whom he married November 6, 1945 and who died March 31, 2005; a son-in-law, William Antenucci; and a brother, Robert Winter.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481, with Rev. Rick Oaks officiating. Interment of his urn will take place at a later date at Crown Hill Burial Park. Friends may call 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at McFarland & Son Funeral Home, and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Masonic services will be held at 4:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to the Trumbull County Relay for Life/Antenucci Plumbing Team, c/o American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, Ohio 44406.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.