Eugene S. Hastings

Eugene S. Hastings quietly passed away at home on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, from natural causes. He was 92. Gene was born in Denville, N.J., on April 10, 1924 to George and Grace Loflin Hastings. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Giragosian Hastings, son and daughter-in-law Todd and Mary Hastings along with grandchildren Brian and Rachel, son Jeffrey Hastings, and daughter Melanie. He is also survived by his stepchildren Aimee with husband Andrew Bevacqua, along with grandchildren Kurt and Anthony, and Carrie with husband Ken Wondergem, along with grandchildren Gregory, Kimberly, and Bradly. Gene is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including James and Julie Hastings, Jon and Linda Edwards, and Sandy and Steven Baldwin, as well as grand-niece Heidi with husband John Muscarelle, grand-nephew Scott Williams with wife Beverly, and many other family members and friends. Gene grew up in Denville, N.J. and attended Mountain Lakes High School. In his spare time, he learned to work hard alongside his father, shoveling coal and building houses. Gene entered the United States Marine Corps at age 17, and served during WWII in the Pacific, including Mindanao Island in the Phillipines. After the war, Gene attended Montclair State College on the GI bill. He majored in Business Math, with a Minor in Physical Education, and was a standout on the school baseball team. He also received certification in Educational Administration from Columbia University. Upon graduation, Gene taught in the Morris School District before taking a job teaching Physical Education with the Butler School District, where he was later hired as Principal of the Richard Butler School. Gene also taught swimming at Lake Rickabear in Kinnelon, N.J. in the summer. He retired from education in 1982. Gene loved playing golf, especially at Peace Pipe Country Club in Denville. He was active in the Denville VFW Post 2519, and was a regular at his favorite spot to eat, the Reservoir Tavern in Boonton. Gene was a leader, mentor, and friend to countless numbers of students, teachers, and fellow school administrators. He was the quintessential school principal, and the embodiment of the phrase, "If you cant say something nice about someone, try harder." No matter how difficult the challenge, Gene had a natural ability to find the good in a person and work with that. He had a particular soft spot for the child who struggled, and always had a kind word or gesture to help put them on the right path. Gene would often be seen greeting youngsters as they arrived at school, and positively interacting with them on the school playground or in the halls, checking on their progress and offering words of encouragement. His approach to dealing with people, his never flagging work ethic, and his optimistic outlook on life was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to work with or know him, qualities that will live forever in the hearts and minds of the many students whose lives he has touched. Funeral services will be held at the Morrison Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, N.J., Monday, June 6th, 2016 at 11am. A Viewing will be held on Sunday from 2-4pm and 7-9pm also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to a scholarship fund in Genes name, by writing a check, addressed to the Butler Board of Education, with Gene Hastings Scholarship Fund on the memo line of your check. SERVICES Visitation Sunday, June 5, 2016 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Morrison Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi ave. Butler, New Jersey 07405 Visitation Sunday, June 5, 2016 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM The Morrison Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi ave. Butler, New Jersey 07405 Funeral Service Monday, June 6, 2016 11:00 AM The Morrison Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi ave. Butler, New Jersey 07405