Gene “Gino” Brentari, 64 – Greatest Joys His Grandsons

Gene “Gino” Brentari, 64, of Primrose, Cass Township, passed away on Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.

Born on August 23, 1956 in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Emma Sborz Brentari and the late August Brentari, Sr. He attended St. Francis Parochial School and was a 1974 graduate of Minersville High School. He worked at Hydro, Cressona. He had previously been employed by the former Schuylkill Haven Bleach and Dye Works.

Gino was a member of Holy Family Parish, Minersville.

He was an avid Notre Dame fan. He also played softball until age 42, playing for various adult teams. However, his greater joy was interacting with his grandsons, whether it’s watching their sports endeavors in wrestling, football and, most recently, baseball; or helping with their hobbies.

In addition to his parents, Gino was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Samantha, in 1988.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, the former Ann Justine Laychock; a daughter, Nicole Ann Lugaila (spouse, Rick); two grandsons, Reese and Owen Lugaila. He is also survived by two brothers, August Brentari, Jr. (spouse, Suzie), Columbus, Georgia, and Richard Brentari (spouse, Judi), Pottsville; nieces and nephews; his feline buddy, “Tiger”.

The family will accept visitors at Dutcavich Funeral Home, 200 Sunbury Street, Minersville, on Monday from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and on Tuesday from 6:00 A.M. Visitation will end promptly at 9:45 A.M. when procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. in S. Michael the Archangel R.C. Church, 539 Sunbury Street, Minersville. Visitors and attendees are expected to follow CDC guidelines. Interment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Branch Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Hillside SPCA, Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.