Eugene William Molinaro, 85, of Sherwood, passed away on March 6, 2010, in the loving company of his family and in peaceful prayers. He was born to Louise and Joseph Molinaro on April 22, 1924 in Soldier, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth of nine children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John Molinaro and Henry Molinaro, as well as an infant brother, all of Punxsutawney. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Irene Dunsworth, of Greenville, PA, and Connie Gaskin, of Brownsville, PA. A grandson, Cade Sellers, preceded him in death as well.
Eugene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lena Molinaro. Also surviving him are two sisters, Virginia Lukehart, of Plano, Texas, and Marlene Scarantine, of Niagara Falls, New York, and one brother, Francis Molinaro, of Punxsutawney.
Mr. Molinaro chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served as a Gunner's First Mate aboard the USS UHLMANN during World War II. He also served his country proudly in the Korean War. In 1949, he married the former Lena Ross. Eugene was a tailor by trade and was successful in the textile industry, earning top positions in several major garment manufacturing industries throughout his career. As Plant Manager of Ottenheimer's in 1963, he and Lena moved to Arkansas where they made their home in Sherwood along with their six children: Micheline Langston, of Cabot; Louise Wirges, of Russellville; Eugene Molinaro, Jr., of Little Rock; Anthony Molinaro, of Russellville; Carol Fowler, of Russellville; and Joseph Molinaro, of North Little Rock.
He will be missed by 18 grandchildren: Jennifer Langston, Jeanette Langston, Rick Wirges, Rob Wirges, Jeff Wirges, Jamie Wilson, Drew Fowler, Stephen Harris, Jessica Molinaro, Gina Kirk, Gina Fowler, Lynnsey Molinaro, Joseph "J.J." Molinaro, Burnadette Molinaro, Lexie Molinaro, Marisa Molinaro, Alec Bacquet, and Gabe Bacquet. He will also be missed by 5 great grandchildren: Nathan Wirges, Ryan Wirges, Lindsey Wirges, Connor Kirk, and Megan Wirges.
He was loved by 3 daughters-in-law, Allene Molinaro, Kim Molinaro, and Julie Molinaro, as well as sons-in-law Jimmy Langston, Rick Wirges, and Jim Bacquet. Mourning his loss as well are the spouses of 5 of his grandchildren: Marla Wirges, Stephanie Wirges, T.C. Wirges, Brandon Wilson, and Wesley Kirk.
He was a loving husband, devoted father and father-in-law, proud grandparent and great grandparent. He will be remembered by all with special memories and many good times shared. His homemade spaghetti sauce for our Sunday family dinners will be just one in a lifetime of treasured memories.
Friends will be welcomed at 6:00 pm Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home for visitation, followed by a Rosary service. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Tuesday. He will be laid to rest at Griffin-Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Little Rock, in honor of Eugene Molinaro.
Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, 758-1170.
Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
Visitation
MAR
8.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)
North Little Rock Funeral Home
1921 Main Street
North Little Rock, AR, 72114
Rosary
MAR
8.
7:00 PM (CST)
North Little Rock Funeral Home
1921 Main Street
North Little Rock, AR, 72114
Mass of Christian Burial
MAR
9.
10:00 AM (CST)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR, 72116