Mr. Eugene "Gene" Madrak, 84, of Duryea, passed from this life on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

Born in Duryea, he was the son of the late Barney and Eleanore Popielarz Grudzinski Mardrak . He was a graduate of Duryea High School, Class of 1949. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Quantico Virginia. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lance Corporal.

He married his sweetheart, Lucille Pinkoski, on June 30, 1962. They celebrated 52 years of marriage, family, love and togetherness. They both had the greatest gift in life – the honor to be married to their best friend. Together they raised two daughters, Colette Watkins, Courtdale and Denise Snyder, Pittston Township.

Gene worked first for his father at Barney Madrak Wholesale Drugs, Scranton. He then worked at Jim Thier Wholesale Drugs, Scranton, Duryea Woodworking and with contractor, John Miller. Lastly, he owned his own business, G and M Contracting, Duryea.

Gene most enjoyed being with his family. He loved all animals, especially his buddy, Reily, spending quality time with children, traveling extensively throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, going to the casino and sports. He was a season ticket holder at Lackawanna County Stadium until the Yankees arrived, being a lifetime Phillies fan. He traveled to Baton Rouge to watch his LSU Tigers play and was also a closet Penn State fan. In his youth was an avid and accomplished bowler.

In addition to his parents he was proceeded in death by sister, Agnes Olsheski, brother, Peter Grudzinski and sister, Romaine Grudzinski.

Along with his wife, Lucille, he is survived by his daughters, Colette Watkins and her husband, Walt, Courtdale; Denise Snyder and her husband, Bob, Pittston Township; grandsons, Matthew Watkins, Courtdale and Nicholas Watkins, Philadelphia. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte Lahoda, Cinnaminson, NJ; brother Bruce Madrak and his wife, Ann Marie, Hughestown and sister, Gertrude Krafjack, Old Bridge, NJ; sister and brother-in law, John and LaVerne Hosonitz, Swansea, SC and many nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Peter Olsheski, who has been a great help to him throughout the years.

He will also be fondly remembered by many friends and acquaintances, especially his best friend, Raymond Stachnick. He will be loved and missed by anyone that ever had the honor of knowing him.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 10:30 am from the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea with the Rev. Andrew Sinnott officiating. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Duryea. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral homes website: www.piontekfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street, Duryea, PA 18642, The American Cancer Society, 132 South Wyoming Ave., Hazleton, PA 18201 or The American Heart Association, 212 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

Lucille,Colette and Denise. My thoughts are with you and your families even though I can't be there. Sylvia

Sylvia Ostir (over 9 years ago)

Joe and I were deeply saddened to hear of Gene's passing. What a wonderful man with a great sense of humor, I wish I could be there to give you a big hug,Lucille, We are away but our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your beautiful family, especially his two previous daughters and grand boys!!! My love to you!

Betty Mihalka (over 9 years ago)

Bruce sorry to read about your brothers death

Vincent Catania (over 9 years ago)

Mrs. Madrak, Collette and Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man! I cherish the memories I have with him and your entire family. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Bridget Langan Piekutowski (over 9 years ago)

I remember Gene as always being there to help "Gram" with her plumbing or electrical problems no matter what the time. One of the last jobs he did as owner of his business was to renovate the upstairs of "Grams House" so I could move in after retiring from the Coast Guard. I remember him coming downstairs and saying "What are you cooking Gram - it sure smells good upstairs." I was honored to have the privilege of bringing him the Eucharist recently. Gene was always calm and soft spoken. He truly had a way with animals. I will miss you Gene. My prayers are with you and your family. You are now safe in the arms of Our Lord and His Mother - pain free and at peace. God Bless.

Valerie Olszewski (over 9 years ago)

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