Eugene Joseph Lennon

November 16, 1928- September 25, 2021

Eugene Joseph Lennon (Gene), 92, of Massapequa Park, NY passed away at his home on Saturday, September 25th, after a 9 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and a recent diagnosis of prostrate cancer.

He was born on November 16, 1928 in the Bronx, NY to Thomas and Margaret (Clarke) Lennon. He was the beloved husband of the late Eileen Lennon for 61 years.

Gene served in the United States Army in 1950. He was stationed in Korea during the war with the position of pole lineman. He received the Korean Bronze Service Star Medal. Soon after his service in the military he became a police officer for the New York City Police Department acquiring rank of Detective. He was a member of the NYPD for over 35 years.

Gene had many interests including bowling and gardening but his favorite activity was dancing, and as a result received the cherished nickname, Dancing Gene. Dancing was an activity that always brought him great joy even during his struggles with dementia. After his retirement from the police department, he was always available to help his family and neighbors in any way they needed. He was gifted with a beautiful smile, quick sense of humor, kind spirit and was loved by all those honored to know him.

He is survived by his children, Cynthia Lennon, William Lennon (Laurie), Margaret Shay and Kevin Leonard (Jeanine). He was the grandfather to Anthony Donatelli (Bethany), Andrew Donatelli (Stacy), Allison Lennon, Courtney LaFreniere (Timothy), Caitlin Miller (Kristopher), Jenna Shay and Emma Shay along with 7 great grandchildren and his sister Helen Clarke Lennon. He was the cherished uncle of numerous nieces and nephews and loved by his many caregivers especially Celine Dedios (9 years) and Anneli Along (4 years). He was preceded in death by brothers Robert and Thomas Lennon, sisters, Anne Wallace and Mary Bernecker and his son-in-law, John Shay Jr.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions in memory of Eugene can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center (farmingdaleadultdaycare.org) 1 Morton St. Farmingdale, NY 11736 (516)293-8928.

Alzheimers Association:  https://act.alz.org/site/Donation

Farmingdale Adult Day Care Donation:  http://www.farmingdaleadultdaycare.org/donate.html