Obituary of Eugene A. Kotary

Eugene "Gene" Kotary, 62, of Rome, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Gene was born on January 16, 1954, in Rome, a son of the late Eugene and Ethel Yourdon Kotary. He was a graduate of R.F.A. On July 7, 1991, Gene was united in marriage to Marcia Smith at the home of their good friends Kirk and Shelia Spencer on Lake Delta. For over twenty-five years Gene owned and operated Gene Kotary Construction. He was a member of the Son's of the American Legion, Stanwix Men's Club, Rome Elks Lodge and the Trail Busters Snowmobile Club. Gene was a talented race car driver who was Track Champion at Utica-Rome Speedway and Fulton Speedway. He loved boating and snowmobiling with his family and friends. Gene loved to drive and fix anything that had a motor. Gene lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-five years, Marcia; a daughter, Brandy Kotary, of Saratoga; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy Kotary and husband Bill Grant of Rome, Linda and Walter Dlugolecki, of Saranac Lake; a nephew, Chad Dlugolecki, who he loved like a son; many great friends, extended family and feline companions. Gene was a one-of-a-kind friend who touched many people's lives from a small word of advice to jumping in and taking care of the problem. We will all remember his infectious laugh, constant instigating, and sarcastic sense of humor. We will never forget the stories of all his carousing throughout the years. He thought the world of his family, especially his daughter who he loved beyond words and his wife who was by his side until the very end. The family would like to thank Dr. Razia and the entire Oncology Department at Slocum Dickson, who became a second family, Dr. Ken Murphy who helped guide them through this battle, the 6th Floor Oncology Department at St. Luke's Hospital and Hospice Palliative Care for the wonderful care they provided to Gene and his family. Gene had endless friends, too many to count, who were wonderful and offered their ongoing love and support. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance 1025 Vermont Ave NW, Suite 1066 Washington, DC 2005. Funeral services for Gene will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday from 3-8 P.M. at the funeral Home. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.