Eugene C. Bleininger

Eugene C. "Gene" Bleininger, 76, of New Philadelphia, died Monday, October 24, 2011 in Union Hospital.

Born January 20, 1935 at Stone Creek, Gene was the only child of the late Cleatus & Delsie Thompson Bleininger.

He retired from Republic Steel, where he had worked as a bricklayer, in 1978.

Gene had a wonderful personality and seemingly made friends wherever he went. He was a fixture at the McCauley Drive McDonald's where he would enjoy coffee and visiting with friends old and new. He was also active with the Tuscarawas Senior Center and liked staying in shape with daily visits to the Tuscarawas County YMCA.

He was a member of the Midvale United Methodist Church, Dover VFW and Bricklayers Union Local 6 of Canton.

Years ago, Gene enjoyed riding his Harley, and picked up a fondness for square dancing.

His wife of 54 years, the former Phyllis A. Mitchell, whom he wed on September 6, 1957, also shared his enthusiasm for square dancing over the years.

Other surviving family members include: two daughters, Brenda (Todd) Pancher of New Philadelphia and Jeannie (John) Eckhardt of Tuscarawas; four grandchildren, Cody and Cole Pancher and Logan and Kristen Eckhardt; along with several cousins.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 26, at 2:00 p.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. Cremation, which has been entrusted to the care of the Toland-Herzig Crematory, will follow services.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Gene by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to either, Midvale United Methodist Church, 4383 State Ave. SE, PO Box 247 Midvale, 44653, or to the Hattie Larlhem Organization, 9772 County Highway 155, Mantua, 44255-9128.