RIDGEFIELD, CT — Eugene M. Waradzin, husband of Mary Lou, son of the late Andrew and Anastasia Waradzin, died on Monday, May 1.

Gene was born and raised in the Naugatuck Valley. As a teenager, he joined his brothers as a drummer with the VFW marching band. After graduating from Derby High School, he spent four years in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter crew during the Korean War. Thereafter, he began his career at AT&T, met and married Mary Lou, his wife of 65 years, and began studying electrical engineering at New Haven College.

At AT&T Gene was product manager of switching systems in the tri-state area and was working on bringing fiber optic cable into Augusta, Maine. He and his family moved to Ridgefield in 1967 to be closer to his office in White Plains, NY.

After retirement from AT&T his next venture was preparing tax returns at H&R Block where he became an enrolled agent.

Gene was Past Commander of VFW Post 3052, a member of American Legion Post 78, a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club, served as an usher at St. Mary’s Church, and enjoyed playing golf, especially with his buddy the late Harry Kent.

Gene is also survived by his son Michael, daughters Marlene and Beth, brother George, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Pauline and brothers Richard and Robert.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 4, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. At the conclusion of the funeral mass, US Military Funeral Honors will be offered at Saint Mary's Church.

Interment will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Mount Saint Peter Cemetery; 219 New Haven Avenue, Derby.

Contributions in Gene's memory may be made to American Legion Post 78 - 71 North Salem Road; Ridgefield, CT 06877 or the Parkinson's Foundation.