HERKIMER/MOHAWK: Eugene S. "Gene" Emrich, 82, a lifelong Herkimer/Mohawk area resident, passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013 in Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, with the love and support of his family at his side. Born in Herkimer, NY on August 27, 1930, Gene was the son of the late Bert and Margaret (Sitek) Emrich. He was a 1949 graduate of Herkimer High School and later continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College studying Business, Finance and Management. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Gene honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict and worked as a surgical technician in the operating room in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. On July 30, 1955 he was united in marriage to the former Virginia Hryniak at St. Francis Church in Gloversville; the couple sharing 57 years of happiness, contentment and unconditional love. Gene was last employed at Herkimer County Community College, working in the maintenance department, taking care of the college pool. He also worked at one time for Mohawk Data Sciences as a Director of Final Assembly, and prior to that at Univac. Gene was a member of the Mohawk American Legion, the Ilion Knights of Columbus, the Herkimer County Historical Society and Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk. He enjoyed attending the Depression Boys breakfast events. A gifted carpenter and woodworker, Gene spent many hours, which he referred to as "A Labor of Love," building a playhouse for his granddaughters. One of his many hobbies was building bird houses. He enjoyed deer hunting, growing tomatoes in his vegetable garden and cooking. He also enjoyed going to his camp in the Adirondacks. A tremendous accomplishment for Gene was when he spearheaded the project of taking eight acres of Mohawk Data Sciences land in East Herkimer and turning them into the recreation area named Johnson Park. A devoted family man, Gene loved most of all spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; and their six children, Cheryl Bisignani and husband Michael of Mohawk, Linda Emrich-Flandera of Clinton, Marcia Emrich of Ilion, Jackie Unsinn and husband Donald of Frankfort, Jennifer Figueroa and husband Ralph of Utica, Steven Emrich and wife Sheila of Ilion; his cherished grandchildren, Bridget Pagnoni, Brianna and Alyssa Unsinn, Anthony and Lauren Figueroa; his great grandchildren, Michael Kimble, Nicholas Cushing and Olivia Struck; a brother, Donald Emrich of Herkimer; his sisters, Marie Murphy of Ilion, Irene MacDougall of Florida; his in-laws, Pauline Harbour of Johnstown, Barbara Buczek and husband Bill of Vermont, Peter Hryniak and wife Barbara of Gloversville and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Gene was predeceased by his grandson, Jason Willoughby, his brothers, James Emrich and Norman Emrich and his sisters, Virginia Smithson and Dorothy Goodwin. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Faxton-St. Luke's Hospital, especially the 5th floor nursing staff, for the kindness and care provided to Gene. In lieu of floral arrangements, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association or The American Diabetes Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort). Gene's funeral will commence with prayer at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2013. Procession will follow to Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by the Very Reverend Mark Cunningham, Sacramental Minister, assisted by Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director. Interment, with full military honors, will take place in the spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. The Mohawk American Legion is asked to meet on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home for service. The family is being served by Harry J. Enea, Jr., Funeral Director.