Eugene J Diano

Eugene John Diano (March 10, 1951-March 25th, 2024)---A true original who lived his 73 years on Earth unapologetically and on his own terms, "Geno" may have been born/raised in Woodside, Queens, and was presently residing in Suffolk County (Selden) at the time of his passing, but "home" was the legacy he built with his beautiful soulmate of 50 years, JoAnn, raising their three children in Levittown!! Successful in his professional career (rose up to the title of Vice President of European American Bank in the early 1990s), he liked to say "I am good at playing the game"; but was quick to tell people that his job is what he did; but it never defined who he was! At his core, the 1973 graduate of Iona College (BBA)/1979 graduate of Fordham University (MBA) was the consummate family man who found his greatest pleasure and rewards as a loving husband, an attentive and dedicated father, and then later a doting/proud grandfather to a clan that adored him for his sarcasm, twisted sense of humor and/or overall authenticity!... Embedding himself into the community and sowing deep/rich roots, Gene always found the time to give freely of himself to both his own kids, as well as the collective neighborhood, as he selflessly served in a variety of coaching and administrative roles as part of the St. Bernard's CYO Basketball program, as well as the Levittown West Little League organization....Enshrined in the STB Parish "Hall of Honor" for his contributions, the greatest joy was derived from knowing that he provided a necessary foundation that later enabled his daughter to win both a Diocese of Rockville Centre title in 1990 and a 1991 NYSPHSAA Federation State Title (on behalf of Our Lady of Mercy); while one of his two sons went on to be an All-League pitcher at Kellenberg Memorial HS! All of the aforementioned having been stated, perhaps his most significant thrills came courtesy of the next/ongoing generation, as he made it a priority to be a mainstay at every one of his grandchildren's signature moments, taking immeasurable satisfaction in carrying himself as the most passionate, involved, and educated Grandfather when it came to his grandchildren's extracurriculars--whether it be a volleyball match, a swim meet, or a chorus concert! Never passing up the opportunity to engage in a spirited argument/debate on just about any topic of his nemesis's choosing, he brought the best out of people by forcing them to think outside the box and to have conviction in their own beliefs/opinions!! Reunited now in the kingdom with his parents---Nicholas & Catherine; brother, Nicky Jr.; & Son-In-Law, Jonathan Dinolfo, among others, his legend will live on and be preserved thanks to the indelible impression/impact he made on surviving relatives---JoAnn (Wife); Children--- Christine [Dinolfo]; Brian (daughter-in-law, Bridget); & Matthew; and especially grandchildren---Andrew, Catherine [Dinolfo], Audrey; and Anna [Dinolfo] In lieu of flowers, his loved ones ask that you consider making a donation of your choosing to any charitable entity that supports autism awareness or cancer research/treatment!