Eugene Albert Abplanalp

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Eugene Albert Abplanalp, 78, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer Aug. 14, 2012. He remained positive and kept his sense of humor until the end, true to his character. Gene was an inspiration to his family, friends and colleagues.
He was born in Ridgway April 28, 1934, to the late Albert and Mabel Abplanalp.
Gene graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received a bachelor of science and master of science degree in social studies and economics. Gene was inducted into the IUP Hall of Fame in 2000 and also received the IUP Volunteer of the Year Award. He taught at Dillsburg and Ridgway Area High Schools. He coached football and wrestling and developed the wrestling program for Ridgway Area School District. Gene left teaching in 1968 and had a successful career with Reader's Digest, where he achieved numerous recognitions and awards. He was an avid sports fan, and an integral participant as president of the Property Owners Association of Treasure Lake, DuBois.
Gene is survived by his wife Jane Logan Abplanalp; daughters, Ann Lennox and Debbie (Bill) Marting; grandchildren Stacy and Robbie Lennox and Billy and Rachel Marting; two sisters, Kathryn (David) Zilcosky and Dorothy (David) Weichman; four nephews; several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. Friday at the Thompson Funeral Home in Ridgway. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgway with the Rev. Bruce Burkness, pastor of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. Marys, officiating. Burial with Committal Services will follow at Ott Cemetery in Ridgway. In lieu of flowers, Gene requested memorial donations be made to IUP football program at the Foundation for IUP, G-1 Sutton Hall, 1011 South Dr., Indiana, PA, 15705-1046, the Lions Club of Treasure Lake, 822 Treasure Lake, DuBois, PA, 15801, or to the Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA, 15801.