Eugene Aiuppa

Eugene (Gene, Gino) J. Aiuppa, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at home in the care and comfort of his beloved wife of 68 years and his loving daughters. Gene was born on January 7, 1931, in Lascari, Palermo, Sicily to the late Salvatore and Maria (nee Catanese) Aiuppa, who raised him and his three older siblings on the family farm overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, which is still operated by his nephew and family. Gene emigrated from Italy to the US in 1951, and met the love of his life, Rosanna (nee Cesare), whom he married in 1958. They first settled in Chicago, IL., then moved to Albany, NY where they built a prosperous life together and raised two children, until retiring to the Sarasota/Venice area of Florida. Gene lived a life defined by entrepreneurial endeavors and deep commitment to family and friends. During their productive life partnership, Gene and Rosanna owned and operated a hair salon, two laundromats, a travel agency, and various real estate holdings. Gene’s strong work ethic, ingenuity, and extraordinary mechanical skills were foundational to the success of their business ventures. Customers, tenants, and employees appreciated his honesty and meticulous attention to detail, and many became his lifelong friends. Gene’s life was enriched by loving family members and friends, who treasured him deeply. In return, he extended his unwavering loyalty, wit and charm, and genuine love and support. Gene always enjoyed connecting with old and new friends, many of whom joined him and Rosanna on numerous travel adventures within the US and abroad. He was quick to laugh, curious and willing to learn new things, and took pleasure in eating good food, making time spent with him engaging and memorable. Gene was an avid outdoor sportsman. He was passionate about hunting, fishing, and sport shooting. He was a member of the Watervliet Fish and Game Protective Association in NY and the Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays Club in FL. The camaraderie of his buddies and the fun times they had on epic hunting and fishing trips to South Dakota and Canada, and at the shooting range, brought him immense joy and many cherished memories. Gene also always made time for family outdoor adventures instilling in his children and grandchildren appreciation and respect for nature. Above all, Gene loved his family fiercely. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of happiness and pride, and he supported each of them wholeheartedly. He is survived by his devoted wife, and loving daughters, Marlene Aiuppa, Laura Aiuppa Denning and husband Jeffery; his cherished grandchildren Michael Lisuzzo and wife Molly, Sabrina Budha and husband Kevin, and Eliana Lisuzzo; his darling great-grandchildren Kaylee Budha, Nikolai Budha, Jayce Budha, and Landon Lisuzzo, as well as many relatives in the US and Sicily who were dear to his heart. A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2026, at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N Allen St, Albany, NY 12206, (518) 463-5735. Visitation with the family will be 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Rev. Dominic Isopo will deliver a prayer blessing at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Gene’s deep connection to his Italian heritage and cultural traditions, a donation may be made in memory of him to the American Italian Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, 1227 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 (https://www.americanitalianmuseum.org/donate.html).

Eugene Aiuppa

January 7, 1931 - February 2, 2026