Eugene C. Jennings, 85, of Lancaster, passed away after an extended illness on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012 at Hospice & Community Care, Lancaster, surrounded by the comfort of his family.  Gene was the loving and devoted husband of the late Anne Buckley Jennings, who passed away in 2004 after 54 years of marriage.

Born in Scranton, PA on August 30, 1927, he was the son of the late Eugene M. and Mary C. Jennings.  He was a veteran of the Army and the Naval Reserve.  He was employed by Avco Financial Services and Sentry Insurance Company, retiring in 1992.  Gene was a faithful, active member and volunteer of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church for 44 years.  Following retirement he attended daily mass.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Guys and Dolls Club, and Centerville AARP.  He also volunteered for The Lung Association, Fulton Opera House and St. Anne's Retirement Community for many years.  Gene was an Associate Member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Gene's zest for life was demonstrated with his quick wit and sense of humor, an appreciation of music and his ability to dance at a moment's notice.  He had a great love of his Irish heritage.   In retirement he and his wife enjoyed extensive traveling with friends and family.  A true gentleman, his endearment to his many cherished friends of all ages was evident through their continued support to Gene throughout his illness.

Always the first to offer a prayer of thanksgiving, Gene was most grateful for his family.  He offered unwavering support for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing academic, music, or sporting events.

He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren: son Daniel, husband of Linda, Richmond, IN and their daughters Michelle, Erin, and Elizabeth; daughter Mary, wife of Stephen Broich, Columbia and their daughters Laura, Julie, and Emily; daughter Catherine, wife of Joseph Haldeman, Lancaster and their children Katie, Michael, and Daniel; and daughter Anne Marie, wife of Robert Munro, Mountville and their sons Andrew and Eric.  He is also survived by his brother Michael "Corby" Jennings and sisters Rhea McDonnell and Kay McAndrew, and by his wife's siblings: Mary Grogan, Joan Flor, Sr. Lois Buckley, John Buckley, Michael Buckley, and Thomas Buckley, who all treated him like a brother.  He also will be missed by 56 nieces and nephews.

Gene was humble man of great integrity and full of compassion.  He will live in our hearts forever.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz,PA from 6-8PM, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 8PM. Friends will be received again on Monday, November 26, 2012 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA from 10-11AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM, the Rev. Peter Hahn as Celebrant. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene's memory can be made to Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center, 625 Community Way, Lancaster PA 17603 or to Hospice & Community Care,  685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100