Eugene Stanley Grzella, age 76, of Clearwater Florida, passed away on the 10th of May at the Bay Pines VA Hospice of St. Petersburg. Gene was born in Albany, New York on the 4 th of October,1947 to Walter and Gladys Irene Grzella. He graduated from Waterville Central High School, later attending Cazenovia College in New York where he received his degree in culinary arts and chef degree. Gene worked at Dibbles Inn in Vernon, New York, specializing in weddings and catering.
After enlisting in the Army and receiving his pilot’s license to fly helicopters, he served his country overseas in Korea and Germany. During his time in active duty, he attained the rank of captain. After being honorably discharged, Gene went back to working in the food industry. The companies he worked for include Wags Cafeteria Family Restaurants and Pizza Hut LLC.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Gladys Irene Benedict and Stepfather Grant Clinton Benedict, Cousin Jill Bennett, and two Grand Nephews, Dylan and Campbell. Gene is survived by his daughter Crystal McCord and her husband Gary and their two children Christian and Garrett, brother John (Jack) and Anne Grzella their children Julie Marie Doty and her husband Chad, Andrew James Grzella and his wife Katie Skibiski and their two children Ada and Lila, and Michele Tiglao and husband Bryan and their two children Sydney and Allyson. Gene’s Cousins Gary Bingham and Judy Bingham.
Gene attended Sylvan Abbey United Methodist Church. He loved sports and golf and had a passion for cooking. He will be long remembered and sorely missed by those that knew and love him.
