Gene Irvin Anthony, age 81, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at his home, 21775 Erie Street, Venango, PA with his loving family by his side. He had a two year battle with cancer. Born on July 24, 1931 in Geneva, PA, Gene was a son of the late Joseph Sibley Anthony and Myrtle Peterson Anthony. He was raised by his uncle and aunt – John and Pearl Randall.

After graduating from Saegertown High School, Gene entered the Korean War serving in the US Army with Company B, 26th Signal Corp from 1949 to 1952. He married his loving wife, the former Elsie Smith, on February 26, 1953 and she survives. Over the years Gene has worked for GATX, Penn Dot, PennCrest School District, and finally with Conrail, retiring in 1994. He was a member of Christ Evangelical Free Church of Saegertown, a life member of the Venango Volunteer Fire Department, and a life member of VFW Post 169 of Venango.

Gene looked forward to living in his country home in Avon Park, Fl during the winter months. He found great pleasure listening to the country jam music of Ken and Shirley Blauser, and he loved watching the birds, flowers, and his garden.

Surviving Gene, in addition to his loving wife of 59 years, Elsie, are three sons – Gene David Anthony and his wife, Diane of Venango; Mark Anthony and his wife, Michelle of Venango; and Gary Anthony and his wife, Valarie of Cayuga, NY; a daughter – Marleah Bradshaw and her husband, Loren of Venango; eight grandchildren – Heather Ruhl and her husband, Mark; Theresa Tatters and her husband, Charles; Pam Anthony and her partner, Ashley Lambert; Sarah Drumheller and her husband, Skyler; Mary Anthony; Cris Walczyk and his wife, Tracy; Jeannine Walczyk and her companion, Jason Evener; and Jennette Walczyk; and eight great grandchildren – Jarrott, Hailley, Joscelyn, Jaron, Tessa, Alissa, Jamesian, and JaNetta. He is also survived by a special friend – Marilyn Boughton. Additional survivors include two brothers – Wayne See and his wife, Diane and Bruce Dygert and his wife, Margie; two sisters – Verda Lasher and her husband, Paul; and Doris Schmitt; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death in addition to his parents by two sisters -Frances and Dorothy; and four brothers – Joe, Clair, and Marlin Anthony, and Daryl Hawk.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and are invited to attend funeral services there on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Reverend Jeff Wilson, pastor of Christ Evangelical Free Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery and will be private.

Memorial gifts may be given to Christ Evangelical Free Church, 19682 Hill Road, Saegertown, PA 16433, the Venango Volunteer Fire Department, or Venango VFW #169, 20628 Gospel Hill Road, Venango, PA 16440.