Obituary of Gene Platano

ASHTABULA – Eugene Raymond "Gene" Platano, 75, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020 at UH – Conneaut Medical Center. He was born February 18, 1945, the son of George and Christine (DeMaio) Platano and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life. A 1963 graduate of Edgewood High School, he played football and baseball for the Warriors. A veteran of the US Army, he served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment during the Vietnam War, receiving two Purple Hearts before being honorably discharged. He established Samson and Delilah Unisex Hair Salon in 1973 and had locations in Ashtabula and Conneaut. A member of Gateway Church for over 40 years, he served as leader of the youth group in the 1970's. He was known for exemplifying his Christian faith with all whom he came in contact and spent the majority of his life helping others and trying to save souls. He also served on the Board of Full Gospel Businessmen's Association in the 1980's. Gene was an avid golfer, bird feeder, and reader and loved large Italian Sunday dinners with his family. He enjoyed his daily stops at Bob Evans to see his favorite server (his daughter Lindie!). A longtime member of the Ashtabula Elks #208, he also belonged to the YMCA. He will always be remembered as loving his family and living his life to help others. His survivors include his wife of 48 years, Shirley (Moore) Platano, whom he married November 29, 1971; two children, Loren (Felix) Rivera of Painesville and Lindie (fiance' Danny Pifer) Platano-Vanek of Ashtabula; seven grandchildren, Mason James Vanek, Aiden Daniel Wakeman, Ava Sophia Wakeman, Raylin Kayann Hatfield, and Felix, Jr., Giovanni, and Gloria Rivera; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph; and his parents. Calling hours will be held from 10AM-12Noon Thursday, May 21, 2020 with a service to be held at 12 noon at the Gateway Church, 2300 Austinburg Road, Ashtabula. All visitation and services will be held outdoors with proper social distancing measures practiced. Pastor Daniel Houck will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memory Gardens, North Kingsville with full military honors. ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements. www.ducro.com