Eugene ‘Gene’ E. Urbanski
Eugene “Gene” E. Urbanski, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 2, 2021. Gene was born Aug. 19, 1935, to Clarence and Helen Dworek Urbanski and was the youngest of six children. Gene is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate, Mickeline “Mickey” Massaro Urbanski; brothers Norman (the late Audrey), Edward (the late MaryAnn) and Thomas (Sandy) Urbanski; brother-in-law, Joseph (Mary) Massaro; sister-in-law, Philomena Popovich (the late Michael); godchildren Karen Pavlecic, Sally Hribar and Tammy Toski; and generations of nieces and nephews; as well as many other cherished loved ones. He was preceded in death by brother, Deacon Clemens (Jan) Urbanski and sister, Ann (John) Williams. Gene graduated from Glassport High School, Class of 1953, where he was later inducted into the Glassport Athletic Hall of Fame for his successful football and baseball careers, which led him to Wittenberg University. GO Tigers! He graduated from Wittenberg University in 1957 and was instrumental in getting several scholarships for upcoming students. Gene was the halfback and safety for the Tigers, a four-year letterman and was a three-time, first team All Ohio Conference pic k and was also the MVP and captain of the football squad his senior season. He played centerfield for the baseball team and won three letters, while the Tigers won two conference baseball titles. Following his education at Wittenberg, Gene received his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Hail to PITT! He taught English and coached both football and baseball at Glassport, Monongahela and Burrell high schools, then obtained a position with the Department of Education for 30 years. He was voted by the Monessen Elks for “Coach of the Year” on June 26, 1964. Gene became a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1964 to 1970. In 1987, he was inducted into the Wittenberg University Athletics Hall of Honor, for both his continued football and baseball careers as a player, coach and scout. Gene still loved to watch both college and professional sports. He also was a longtime supporter of the Wittenberg University Alumni Association and a member of Queen of the Rosary Church, where he was an usher for more than 30 years and a member of the Polish National Alliance in Glassport. Gene also served in the U.S. Army, Vietnam era. He loved to tell stories, travel and spend time at the casino. Gene was a kind, generous and outspoken man who will be missed dearly. A special thank you to his family caregivers, Norma Bradley, Michelle Minjock, Gary Urbanski and Tony Massaro and Grandview Estates for the care and kindness they showed to Gene. Friends received WOJCIECHOWSKI FUNERAL HOME, Glassport from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, at Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport. Entombment following New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
