Boardman - Eugene “Gene” Patrick Barnes, 88, of Boardman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday morning, June 1, 2026.

Gene was born July 9th, 1937, in Youngstown, the oldest of nine children of the late Warren Eugene and Mary (Madden) Barnes. He enjoyed playing sports at Ursuline High School, especially baseball and golf. After high school he proudly served his country as an Army Sergeant for two years, National Guard for 2 years and the Reserves for 2 years.

He continued his passion for golf for many years in leagues and competitions. He was especially proud of his first-place finish at the Youngstown District Amateur Invitational at the Tam O’Shante Course in 1972.

Gene was a hard-working Tool & Die Expert who retired from United Engineering & Foundry and Reichard Industries and also worked at Fairfield Machine Company. He loved to spend time with his children cheering them on at baseball/softball games and track meets, taking them to the local parks to explore or spending summer days at Wildwood Lake. He loved watching all sports especially cheering for his favorite teams the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Browns (he still hoped to see them in the Super Bowl one day).

Gene and his late wife Julia (Datson) were members of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish (now Saint Catherine of Siena Parish). Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers John “Jack”, William, Richard, Terry, Jimmy and sister Carol & Rich Novak.

Gene leaves behind his children Bernice Templeman, Patricia (Greg) Lendon, Michael Barnes, Sue (John) Kennedy and Colleen (Stratos) Tsambarlis and his grandchildren Tara, Patrick & Autumn Lendon and JJ Kennedy. He also leaves behind brothers Bob (Ann Marie “Peach”) and Larry Barnes and many nieces and nephews.

Gene will be remembered for being a great father, having a strong work ethic, dedicating time to teach his children new things, always fixing something around the house and for being “one of the good ones”. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but they find comfort in knowing he is now reuniting with his beloved wife in heaven.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 9:00 am until 10:20 am at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman.

There will be a prayer service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 10:30 am at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, with Father Edward Brienz as celebrant.

Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman.

We extend many thanks to Nurse Kerri and the many other nurses and aids from Hospice who provided excellent comfort and care.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Gene’s family.