Eugene “Gene” Wirkus, age 82, of Orange, entered into rest on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in Florida. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Rosemarie (Falco) Wirkus.
Gene was born in New Haven, Connecticut on January 10, 1935, son of the late Paul and Nora (Hines) Wirkus. He served his country for three years with the U.S. Army and spent two years in Bamberg, Germany.
In 1967, he founded Connecticut Fabricating Company in Milford which he ran until he retired. He was a devoted father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his precious family most of all. He was also an avid golfer and for many years had been a member of the Grassy Hill Country Club, and more recently Oronoque Country Club. In addition, he was an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan.
He is the beloved father of Eugene Wirkus, Jr. (Donna), Laura Rully (Frank) and Thomas Wirkus (Debra). He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Shawna Pelliccia (Thomas), David Wirkus, Matthew Rully, Christina Rully and Allissa Rully and a brother Richard Wirkus (Linda). Along with his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and William Wirkus.
Friends may greet the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. His procession will then leave for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church in Orange. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Orange Center Cemetery.
