Eugene Amirante

Eugene Amirante, age 91, of Wayne passed on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Eugene was born in Paterson and raised in a four-story home at 459 River Street. The first floor was occupied by a store run by Eugene’s family and extended family who all lived in the above three floors.  

In May of 1950 Eugene met a beautiful girl named Edith Cannata through a family connection and quickly fell in love. As was the custom at the time, Edith and Eugene had to be chaperoned on dates. This was often done by Edith’s sister Angel or her brother Albert. One of their first dates was ballroom dancing at a club on Market Street in Paterson. It was said that Eugene and Edith’s brother Albert became such close friends that when Eugene bought the engagement ring he jokingly said he might give the ring to Albert instead.  Edith and Eugene married on May 3, 1953 (Edith’s Birthday) at Saint Anthony’s Church in Paterson. They had a loving and devoted marriage of sixty-six years that was blessed with five daughters.

Those five daughters would eventually bestow Eugene and Edith with 13 grandchildren (later introducing a great-grandchild) which whom he spoiled with laughter, Milky Way bars, talks of mythical creatures, and lighthearted pranks. He was never afraid to strike a silly face or throw a fast quip if it meant a hardy laugh on the other end. Humor was deeply embedded in his DNA.

He took much pride in his large family being the patriarch of his clan. His eyes would sparkle with delight when watching a grandson score a touchdown, or strike a batter out with a fierce pitch. He would shine a wide smile at every family gathering whether it be a graduation, birthday or wedding. No family function was complete without his presence.

During the later years of his life, Eugene would find comfort in his La-Z-Boy recliner watching old Westerns, Lon Chaney films, and his beloved Mets and Jets. There was always a puzzle on the dining room table to lure in his daughters to stay longer, and A Word Search book was never far from his reach. On Friday nights he would play cards with his friends. He was also quite comfortable sitting at a Roulette table during one of his many (and almost always successful) trips to Atlantic City. Sunday evenings were spent eating a generous Italian dinner prepared by Edith and enjoyed by his daughters and grandkids.

His devotion wasn’t only spent on his family. He was a celebrated member of the Wayne Elks Lodge, pledging his time and efforts to the organization for many years. He also served his country, being enlisted in the US Army from 1951 – 1956.

Those who were touched by Eugene’s life can’t help but smile when they think of his spirit and legacy. He was a man who wasn’t afraid to laugh and love and knew the true importance of life – his family. And in that regard, he lived a life that was full.

Eugene was a loving husband of Sixty-Six years to Edith (Cannata) Amirante; devoted father of Louanne Barbera and her husband Steve of Wayne, Marianne Scibetta and her husband John of Wayne, Deborah DeRosa and her husband Jimmy of Butler, Jeanne Scognamiglio and her husband Gene of Butler, and Patricia Battipede and her husband Robert of Butler; cherished grandfather of Steve Barbera and wife Marlena, Chrissy O’Connor and husband James, Samantha Scibetta, Jackie Scibetta, Ali Scibetta, Sarah Maurer and husband Ricky, Jessica Scognamiglio, Joseph Scognamiglio, Frank Scognamiglio, James DeRosa, Alfred Battipede, Thomas Battipede, Bobby Battipede and one great-grandson Axel Maurer.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Kidney Fund or Dialysis Patient Citizens