Obituary for Eugene DePalma
Eugene "Gene" Rene DePalma was born on June 25, 1960, to Bobbie Lee and Jeanette Mae (Lee) DePalma (Hamlin) and died on April 15, 2023, in the care of Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo MI.
He grew up in Battle Creek MI.
His lifelong work was mechanical. He loved automotive service where he worked for several service providers. Plus, he worked for Drum Heating and Cooling. His greatest thrill was helping his neighbors, like Phyllis, and others., with household maintenance. In addition, he built model cars; whereby he and his eldest brother, Rob, would always collaborate. Like his youngest brother, Randy, he loved RC cars, and they teamed up as they enjoyed their sport. Gene, and his brothers, Rodney and David, were all passionate about independent living. Gene loved camping with friends and family. He loved his dogs, Maddy, Buss, Teva, and Bentley. Buss and Teva survive. During his retirement, he appreciated cookouts, family gatherings, and convalescing in a makeshift man cave aka "the garage outback".
Gene's special adopted families are his brother Scott Freeze and sister Karen Norton, along with 2 nephews and a niece, and their youngsters, plus their extended families and friends. Special friends are Barry Buchanan and his family. Mickey, too. Glenn Miller, too.
Plus, Gene is survived by his daughter, Rebecka Mae Hanrahan; son, Daymeon L. Salyer; father, Bob (Roseann) DePalma; 3 grandsons, Nicholas, Alexander, and Zachary Hanrahan; four siblings, Rob (Alice) DePalma, Christine (Mark) Kilbourn, Tammy (Michael) Oswalt, Kim (Steven) Hoffman; stepbrother Ron (Wendy) Hamlin, two stepsisters Sharon (Willard) Mahurin and Karen Atkins. Plus, many nieces and nephews, step-nieces and step-nephews, and extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph DePalma, his mother, Jeanette Hamlin; stepfather, Harry Hamlin; and brothers, Rodney, David, and Randy DePalma, and longtime family member Brenda Salyer.
Thanks to Centrica Care (Glenn Arbor and Rose Arbor Hospices) and Grand Rapids Cremation for excellent caregiving! (Special note: All caregivers were exceptional: For example, Ms. Winnie, Teresa, Alyssa, Chris, Troy, and so many more) Additionally, we appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers for Gene. Thank you.
In accordance with Gene's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at Begg Park, Springfield MI, on May 6, 2023, at 1 pm. Memorials may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice Care, Kalamazoo MI, or Grand Rapids Cremation, Grand Rapids MI.
He grew up in Battle Creek MI.
His lifelong work was mechanical. He loved automotive service where he worked for several service providers. Plus, he worked for Drum Heating and Cooling. His greatest thrill was helping his neighbors, like Phyllis, and others., with household maintenance. In addition, he built model cars; whereby he and his eldest brother, Rob, would always collaborate. Like his youngest brother, Randy, he loved RC cars, and they teamed up as they enjoyed their sport. Gene, and his brothers, Rodney and David, were all passionate about independent living. Gene loved camping with friends and family. He loved his dogs, Maddy, Buss, Teva, and Bentley. Buss and Teva survive. During his retirement, he appreciated cookouts, family gatherings, and convalescing in a makeshift man cave aka "the garage outback".
Gene's special adopted families are his brother Scott Freeze and sister Karen Norton, along with 2 nephews and a niece, and their youngsters, plus their extended families and friends. Special friends are Barry Buchanan and his family. Mickey, too. Glenn Miller, too.
Plus, Gene is survived by his daughter, Rebecka Mae Hanrahan; son, Daymeon L. Salyer; father, Bob (Roseann) DePalma; 3 grandsons, Nicholas, Alexander, and Zachary Hanrahan; four siblings, Rob (Alice) DePalma, Christine (Mark) Kilbourn, Tammy (Michael) Oswalt, Kim (Steven) Hoffman; stepbrother Ron (Wendy) Hamlin, two stepsisters Sharon (Willard) Mahurin and Karen Atkins. Plus, many nieces and nephews, step-nieces and step-nephews, and extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph DePalma, his mother, Jeanette Hamlin; stepfather, Harry Hamlin; and brothers, Rodney, David, and Randy DePalma, and longtime family member Brenda Salyer.
Thanks to Centrica Care (Glenn Arbor and Rose Arbor Hospices) and Grand Rapids Cremation for excellent caregiving! (Special note: All caregivers were exceptional: For example, Ms. Winnie, Teresa, Alyssa, Chris, Troy, and so many more) Additionally, we appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers for Gene. Thank you.
In accordance with Gene's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at Begg Park, Springfield MI, on May 6, 2023, at 1 pm. Memorials may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice Care, Kalamazoo MI, or Grand Rapids Cremation, Grand Rapids MI.