Eugene E. Maritato a lifelong resident of Walton, passed away on December 28, 2017. He'd been in failing health and had resided at Mountainside Residential Center in Margaretville for the past year.

Gene was born on February 4, 1920 to Fred and Mary Dagnello Maritato. He was a lifelong Walton resident, occupying the family home on New Street with his sister, Leona.

Gene served during World War II in Company A, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Army. He was posted to France and Germany as a sergeant and company clerk, during some of the fiercest European campaigns. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

After the war, Gene returned home to Walton and went to work at the A&P grocery on Delaware Street. He progressed from being in charge of dairy items to assistant manager under Charles Stevens to store manager when Charlie retired. Gene retired when the Walton store (now the Ace hardware store on West Street) was closed as the A&P Company downsized in the 1970's.

He didn't stay idle for long and went to work for over 20 years more at The Walton Liquor Store on Gardiner Place, owned first by Don DeSilva and then by Albie and Mary Lou Tomao. Gene was a fixture in the liquor store and many will remember him from there. He decided to "retire" at 81.

Gene had a quick, and sometimes, acerbic, wit and liked to keep up with town doings. In recent years, he and Leona would often have coffee at MacDonald's or a meal at T A's Place where they would visit and catch up with local folk. He was a prolific baker known for his brownies, taralli, and Christmas pound cakes. If Gene knew that you had a favorite sweet, he loved to make it for you.

Eugene is survived by his sister, Leona, and the children of brother, Joseph Maritato, and sister, Rosalie Barnhart, both of whom have preceded him in death. Relatives include nieces and nephews Cynthia Maritato Shick and Anne Sieggreen, Dennis Port, MA; Pamela and Mark Derr, Camden, SC; Paul Jr. and JoAnn Barnhart, Maryland, NY; Martha and Larry Wesner, Sidney; Peter and Susan Barnhart, Unadilla; Nancy and Loren Youngs, Bainbridge; Victoria and Joseph Schlafer, Unadilla; Kathy and David Heath, Sidney; Amy and Lee Barnhart, Sidney; grand nieces and nephews: Todd, Miranda, Orrin, Paul, Jacob, Clara and Quinn Barnhart; Matthew and Jason Derr; Matthias and Sarah Wesner; Jennifer and Lance Youngs; Joshua and Julie Schlafer; and Amber and Alicia Heath and all their spouses and children.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 25 Benton Avenue, Walton with Rev. Edward J. Golding, officiating.

The Maritato family is most appreciative of friends who have become family over the years, too. Affectionate thanks are extended to Sally Cranston and Matthew King of Walton for continuing to visit and help especially in recent years. They, Paul Barnhart, Jr. and Cynthia Maritato Shick were unflagging in their care and companionship, even when the going got tough.

We also thank home caregivers, Anna Alger, Rosemary Middlebrooks, Deborah Brown and Ginny Sherman for their commitment to their care during 2016. A grateful acknowledgment is extended to all the staff at Mountainside Residential for their kind and competent care this past year.

Memorial Contributions in Gene's memory may be made to Walton EMS, 61 West Street, Walton, New York 13856.