Gene Francis Bastian, 87, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed on to his heavenly home on September 10, 2020, of natural causes.
Gene was born September 5, 1933, in Hamilton, Ohio. He graduated from Morrow High School in 1951. In 1952, he began his career at the Fisher Body/General Motors (GM) auto plant in Hamilton, OH, as a math teacher for the plant’s apprentices. After the U.S. Army drafted Gene in 1956, he served his country stateside and in Germany until 1958, when he was honorably discharged. Gene immediately returned to the same GM plant, where he accepted a new position as a tool-and-die maker. Gene greatly enjoyed that work as he was able to use his renowned math and creative-thinking skills every day to make GM’s top-selling cars. He retired in 1995 as a "lead man" and admired mentor in the tool-and-die division.
Gene lived what most would call a blessed life. His numerous hobbies included woodworking, fishing, listening to comedy albums, reading mystery books and poems, dancing, and tending to his garden and koi pond. He liked watching sports, and was a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. He loved anything his wife cooked, and never turned down a Skyline Chili meal or Wendy’s milkshake. Gene took every opportunity to tell jokes; most were actually funny. Visitors to his home often were greeted by Gene singing their names in his baritone voice. Holiday celebrations were cherished; and "the cousins" in particular share many fond memories of the annual Easter Egg (money) Hunt.
A lifelong Catholic, Gene lived out his faith by attending daily Mass, and always being willing to help relatives, friends, and strangers. He especially enjoyed any request requiring him to use his expert woodworking and metalcraft skills in "Papa’s workshop."
Gene was the happiest when he could spend time, at home with his wife, "visiting" with members of his large family, living near and far. He passed on to them many life lessons, by word and example. One of his favorite sayings was to "Learn from the mistakes of others, because you won’t live long enough to make them all yourself." He encouraged family members to look for the humor in every situation. He also advised them to stay close to God, cherish their spouses and families, be proud of America, and take responsibility for their actions.
He is survived by Mary Rose Bastian, his beloved wife of 64 years; his son Edward (Lisa) Bastian; his three daughters Sarena (Mark) Buschur, Julie (Alan) Brozak, and Carmela (Dan) Pauly; his nine grandchildren, Anastasia (Todd) Schroeder, Jenna (Prakash) Arumugam, Nicholas Bastian, Matthew (Karlee) Brozak, Kurt (Breanna) Brozak, Rachel Bastian, Maria (Andy) Hesselbrock, Garret Pauly and Ryan (Amira) Pauly; and his six great-grandchildren Zoey and Easton Schroeder, Milo and Aurora Arumugam, Macon and Preslee Brozak. He was preceded in death by parents Edward Anthony "Tony" and Dorothy "Dottie" Bastian; and brothers, Russell and Richard Bastian.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14th, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 2550 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Gene will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum, 2421 Princeton Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Visitation: 09/14/2020 at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Queen of Peace Catholic Church
2550 Millville Avenue
Hamilton OH, 45013
Funeral Service: 09/14/2020 at 11:00 AM
Queen of Peace Catholic Church
2550 Millville Avenue
Hamilton OH, 45013
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