Obituary of Eugene R. Datri
Eugene R. Datri, 92, of Ravena, NY passed on Saturday, April 12, 2025 surrounded at home by loved ones. He was born on July 24, 1932 in Albany, NY. He was devoted to his wife Mary Catherine until her passing on January 25, 2002.
Gene lived most of his life in Ravena, NY. As a child he attended St. Patrick’s School and was a life long member of St. Patrick’s Church. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the US Army from 1952-1954.
Early years found Eugene working various jobs to support his family until he settled at Conrail/Amtrak where he eventually retired from as an engineer. He was involved in his church in many ways throughout his years. He devoted much of his time to VFW Post 9594 Ravena, where he served as quartermaster for several years. He also managed the medical equipment room helping people that needed walkers, beds, canes, wheelchairs etc. His proudest volunteer effort was the Annual Easter Egg Hunt through the Post. He brought it from a small, lightly attended event to what it is today with baskets, bikes, scooters and other fun gifts for the children in his community to win and enjoy. He loved seeing the children hunt eggs, visit the Easter Bunny and watch the smiles of delight on their little faces as they won the “big” gifts during the raffle.
Gene was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and Notre Dame football. In his early years he bowled, played softball and coached his sons little league games. Along with sports events, he spent a lot of time watching GSN, TCM and GRIT. And he was always happy to come to the table for a steak or spaghetti dinner.
Eugene is survived by his daughter Lauri (Dennis) Anderson and son Eugene C. Datri; his grandchildren Samuel (Kim) Anderson, Chelsea (Brad) Darby, Elias (Holly) Anderson, Nicole Vautrin, Sheila Weidman, Ruth (Micheal) Anderson, Lucia (Shuaib) Anderson, Ezra (Laney) Anderson, Melody Datri. Also his beloved great grandchildren Jadelynn, Samuel, Ezekiel and Claire as well as his nieces and nephews. Eugene was predeceased by his wife, Mary Catherine Travis Datri, his daughter Terry (Bill) Dewsbury, his parents Eugenio and Lucia (Persico) Datri, and his sisters Amelia Scalzo and Mary Tiberia.
Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 21 Main Street, Ravena, on Monday, April 21. Calling hours 9-11am with Funeral Mass at 11 followed by a graveside ceremony with honors at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Coeymans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 9594/Easter Egg Hunt, c/o Christopher Parker, 1228 Saw Mill Road, Ravena, NY 12143.
Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.