Eugene P. "Gene" Burnett

Delmar, NY - Eugene “Gene” Paul Burnett passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, December 8th 2024. He was born in Albany, son of the late Frank and Mary Skiba Burnett. Being born into a depression era family with six siblings shaped Gene’s formative years and resulted in a lifetime of collecting, mischievous humor and most prominently hard work and hustling. Being the youngest son was a dubious task but he was up for the challenge of a childhood of dubious pranks and long days working in the family’s waste business. This served as the foundation that taught Gene the value of loyalty. He worked every day to provide for his family and would show up in a minute if asked to help a sibling, niece, nephew, cousin or friend. If there was a problem, you could find a solution in Gene’s garage. After, he always accepted payment in the form of treats like strawberry rhubarb pie or polish pierogis, especially from his sisters Ann, Joan, Mary Lou and Patricia. Gene started off his long and illustrious career, shortly after marrying his late wife Elizabeth, in the NY National Guard serving in a Transportation and Logistics company where he worked to become a master mechanic and welder. Following an honorable discharge, Gene proudly worked for Callanan Industries for 29 years as an Operating Engineer building many of the roads we drive on today in the Capital Region and beyond. During winters he and his friend Dave Conrad repaired and maintained Callanan’s fleet of equipment and also added in a heavy dose of pranks around the shop on the unsuspecting. He vigilantly served as a Union Steward for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 158, District 106, advocating for his fellow members. He was also the proud owner of Q&B Plowing with his partner Billy Quackenbush, serving a large book of commercial and residential customers. Rounding out his professional life he worked 11 more years for August Bohl Contracting before spending his twilight working years alongside his brothers Jake and Mitch with Jake Burnett Excavating. Gene could build anything with his hands and spent a lifetime doing so. He was a devout parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle and longtime member of the Albany PACC. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, golf, fishing, visiting Joe Tremblay at Albany Battery and most of all, spending time with his girlfriend Jackie; his children and grandchildren (especially showing them his tools at Wellington Road). Gene was predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth, his son Christopher; his sisters Ann Busta, Joan Wheeler and his brothers Francis (Mitch) and John (Jake). Gene is survived by his sisters Mary Lou and Patricia; his girlfriend Jackie; his children Kimberly and Joshua (Kerry); his grandchildren Peyton and Breton. “Uncle Gene” is also survived by an army of nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gene’s family Thursday, December 12, 2024 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Friday December 13, 2024 at 9:00 am at St. Pius X Chapel where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers a contribution in Gene’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Eugene P. "Gene" Burnett

June 28, 1940 - December 8, 2024