Eugene “Gene” House

 

Eugene “Gene” House, 97, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA, on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025.

He was born on July 9, 1928, in Emporium, PA, a son of the late Percival Lawrence and Elizabeth Cooper House. On October 24, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, he married the late Marie Griswold, who preceded him in death.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army as a medic, completing five years of military service. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and dedicated over 40 years of service to Sylvania/GTE. During his career, Gene was known for his ingenuity, inventing and patenting the “Patty Pro” and creating multiple toys. While working at Caldwell Machining, he completed the journeyman tool and die maker apprenticeship and training course, fulfilling the apprenticeship agreement in accordance with the standards of the PA Apprenticeship and Training Council, the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship, and Caldwell Machining.

Gene was known for his warm personality, enjoying friendly conversations and sharing a good laugh with everyone he met. He was a life member of the VFW and a longtime member of the Moose. An active man throughout his life, Gene loved golfing, ice skating, and roller skating, activities he continued to enjoy well into his 80s.

He is survived by three daughters: Valerie Worrall (Mark) of Apollo, PA; Tina Moore (James) of Truman; and Judy Smith (Dave II) of Emporium; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Doug House of Greensburg, PA; and a special friend, Anita Arthurs of Mt. Jewett.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by three daughters, Brenda Leithner, Vanessa House, and a baby House in infancy; three grandsons, Gregory Peck, Sevren Teves, and Joephas Lentz; one sister, Marlene House; and two brothers, Percy and Kenny House.

The family will receive friends at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th Street, Emporium, PA, on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Andrew P. Spore officiating. Military service provided by the Cameron County Memorial Detail will follow. Burial will be in Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.