Eugene John Zabinski, 69, of Romeoville, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, at his home.

Beloved husband to wife of 47 years, Mary (nee Quenzel). Loving father of Janet (Jeff Rosendahl), Christine (Bryan) Mathis and Sharon (Dennis) Welch. "Papa" to Amanda and Jonathan Luevano, Katelyn and Allyson Mathis, Jennifer and Justin Welch, John Siegfried, Emily Alvis and Jimmy Rooks.

Survived by brother Joseph (Sharon) Zabinski, sister-in-law Betty (Leonard) Myszkowski, brother-in-law Daniel (Judy) Quenzel, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, John and Antoinette Zabinski, and his granddaughter, Christin Mary Welch.

Gene was born Dec. 15, 1941, in Chicago.

He was employed by 3M, Electro Motive, CXM and Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. He loved working in his yard and in his garage, traveling to Las Vegas and mostly being "the best Papa ever."

Memorial service will be held at Anderson Memorial Chapel, 606 Town Hall Drive in Romeoville, on Friday, Dec. 16, with visitation from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m.

The family is asking that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in memory of Gene. Donations can be made online at www.pancan.org.