Gene ‘Dempsey’ Passarella learned his love of music from his immigrant father, returned from World War II with a Bronze Star and went on to become a legendary regional musician and band leader.
He died Saturday at 100 years old and was buried Friday with a funeral that honored both roles.
“There’s something beautiful about that part of his story,” a grandson, Mark Van Nort, told mourners at the funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. “A man who had experienced the darkness of war dedicated the rest of his life to creating music, bringing people together, and giving them moments of happiness.”
His survivors include his wife of nearly 74 years, the former Louise Colangelo, who he married in the same church.
Gene “Dempsey” Passarella conducts his orchestra as they play at the American Legion Post 920 in Scranton.
Gene Passarella
Gene Passarella, of West Scranton, leader of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra, talks with Donna Wood, tenor saxaphone player from Endicott, NY., during practice at the American Legion on Smith St. in Scranton on Monday, August 10, 2009.
Local officials presented World War II veteran Gene Passarella, left, 93, of Scranton, with several medals he earned during his service but never received. Passarella, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, is the uncle of former state Rep. Karen Boback, right, R-117, Harveys Lake. She worked with then state Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, to secure the medals. The medals were given to Passarella at a ceremony held at the Lackawanna County Government Center. The medals include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Honorable Service Lapel Button.
Louise Passarella pins a long overdue medal to the shirt of her husband, World War II veteran Gene Passarella several years ago.
Longtime musician and bandleader Gene Dempsey will receive the lifetime achievement award at this year’s Judi H Rock On fundraiser, which features live music and benefits Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
The Gene Dempsey Orchestra performs at The Mall at Steamtown during First Night celebrations in 2004.
The Dempsey Orchestra performs for an audience at The Mall at Steamtown during First Nigh festivities on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011.
Dancers pack the floor to the music of The Gene Dempsey Orchestra at the Scranton Cultural Center on Sunday during First Night Scranton.
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Gene “Dempsey” Passarella conducts his orchestra as they play at the American Legion Post 920 in Scranton.
The West Scranton native was the son of Italian immigrants and his father also was a musician. He graduated from the old Scranton Central High School and entered the U.S. Army at 18. In an interview several years ago, he estimated around 125 of his classmates did the same.
He landed in Normandy, France, a few days after the initial wave of Allied forces, and also fought in Belgium. He was wounded twice and was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
His day job was a long career with the U.S. Postal Service. At his funeral, the Rev. Richard E. Fox speculated, to laughter, that he may eventually be honored with a stamp.
Early in his life, Passarella performed with some of his brothers on the clarinet and saxophone. He founded the Gene Dempsey Orchestra and arranged much of its music for several decades. The “Dempsey” moniker was a reference to a boxer. He conducted a performance as recently as the 2024 La Festa Italiana, a frequent venue.
On Thursday, fellow regional musician and band leader Marko Marcinko said Passarella was “a true Scranton legend.”
Karen Boback, a niece and former Pennsylvania state representative, said she has fond memories of listening to performances at La Festa and concerts in Nay Aug Park. She read Scripture at the funeral.
Passarella was honored in a series of events at La Festa and elsewhere celebrating his 99th and 100th birthdays. He would have been 101 on Aug. 12.
Other survivors include daughter Cathy Van Nort of Dalton and grandson Tim Van Nort, who stood by his brother’s side during Mark Van Nort’s remarks.
The casket was saluted on the way into the church by an honor guard from UNICO, the Italian-American heritage group. Military honors were conducted at the interment in Cathedral Cemetery.
Donations in his honor are being collected by the Gene Dempsey Passarella Music Scholarship, care of Citizens Bank, 156 South Main Ave., Scranton.
At the time of his death, he was living at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center.