Born: Nov. 8, 1931

Died: May 4, 2013

Marino Gino “Gene” Scarpone of Niles, Michigan, formerly of West Bloomfield, Mich., passed away peacefully in his home May 4, 2013, after an extended illness.  He was born in Detroit, Michigan on Nov. 8, 1931 to the late Ivo Scarponi and Natalina Maggiotti Scarponi Bernard.  He is survived by his sister Eleanor (Dewey) Colley, and his brother John Bernard, Jr.

During the Korean War, Gene served in the United States Army, stationed stateside.  Following his military service, he attended the University of Detroit where he received a BA and MBA (1961) in Business Administration.  His professional career began with Maccabees Mutual Life Insurance Company.  In 1964, Gene joined the Michigan Credit Union League and League Life Insurance Company, where he served as Director of Personnel Services until his retirement.  In retirement, he headed a human resources consulting firm, and was a most active counselor and adviser in the Detroit Chapter of SCORE.  Additionally, he continued to serve on various volunteer groups for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Gene is survived by his seven children: Jane (Charles) Aylsworth, James (Kimberly) Scarpone, Jeanne (Denny) Fritch, John Scarpone, Jerold Scarpone, Joanne Scarpone, and Janet (John) Robertson, and their mother Margaret H. Scarpone.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his friend and care-giver Robert Krynock.

His wife, Sharon Ruben Scarpone, preceded him in death.  Her sons, Dr. Bruce (Mindy) Ruben and Marc (Linda) Ruben survive, along with their children.

Gene was a member of the San Marino Club of Troy, Mich., and the Novi Theater’s Senior Players.  He loved his family, music and sports, especially his beloved Detroit Tigers.  A kind and gentle man, Gene had a great sense of humor and kept everyone around him amused with his quick wit and one-liners.  He always had a smile on his face, and brought many smiles to those who knew him.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday May 10, 2013, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington, Michigan.  The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  Memorial contributions can be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Detroit, Michigan, www.cskdetroit.org, or the Michigan Humane Society, www.michiganhumane.org.

Local arrangements were handled by Swem Chapel in Buchanan. To sign his guest book or leave a condolence message please visit www.swewmchapel.com