Obituary of Eugene J. Sickles

Voorheesville - Eugene J. Sickles, 88, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011 at Albany Medical Center. Gene was born on July 22, 1923. He was the son of the late Eugene and Marie Sickles. Gene proudly served as a PFC in the United States Army, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division, during WWII, seeing action in North Africa, Italy, Anzio Beachhead, Germany and France. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service. After the war, Gene worked at Walter Motor Truck Company and the Voorheesville School District as a bus mechanic and driver. In his retirement, he worked at the Voorheesville Public Library. Gene was a communicant of Christ the King Church in Guilderland, a charter member of the American Legion in Voorheesville, and a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans. Gene is survived by his daughter Joan (Gerry) O'Brien of Loudonville, his granddaughter Sharon O'Brien of Rotterdam, and many nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased by his wife, Jenny, and sister, Ruth Ulion. Funeral services will be Saturday at 9 AM from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville, then to Christ the King Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM. Calling hours will be Friday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. The parish family of Christ the King will gather at 4:30 p.m. for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Gene's family would like to extend special thanks to the staffs of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center and Albany Medical Center, and to Gene's special aide and friend, Kim. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene's name to the Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Rd., Voorheesville, NY 12186-9697, or to the Voorheesville Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 238, Voorheesville, NY 12186.