Gene ‘Dempsey’ Passarella passed away on Saturday, August 8.
SCRANTON, Pa. — Scranton will say farewell to a 100-year-old World War II veteran this week.
Newswatch 16 was with Gene Passarella last August when he celebrated his 100th birthday. He served in Europe during the war, where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor for his bravery.
He came home to work with the postal service but was best known as the leader of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra. He was still on stage leading it at the age of 99.
Passarella died Saturday, August 8, at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects Thursday night at Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home in West Scranton from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
His funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church along Jackson Street.