Eugene E. Phaneuf

September 9, 1937 - February 1, 2020

Eugene E. Phaneuf of West Hartford died Saturday morning, February 1st at St. Francis Hospital. He was born in Norwich on September 9, 1937 the son of Ernest and Diana (Gouin) Phaneuf. He graduated from Willimantic State Teachers College in 1959 where he met his wife, Carol (Peters) Phaneuf. They were married July 23,1960. Gene spent 30 years working as an educator and administrator for the State of Connecticut Vocational School System, retiring as director of Vinal Tech High School in Middletown. Eugene was ordained a Catholic deacon in the Archdiocese of Hartford and served at St. Thomas The Apostle Church in West Hartford until his retirement. He also served as head of religious education at Holy Spirit Parish in Newington and later St. Thomas The Apostle Parish in West Hartford. Gene and Carol were also involved in Marriage Encounter and Marriage Preparation Classes for the Engaged. His professional life was also punctuated with his commitment to Camp Hazen YMCA in Chester Connecticut. Starting as a counselor in college and returning in various roles years later, Gene and his whole family have been committed to making Camp Hazen a welcoming place for families ever since. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Carol (Peters) Phaneuf, Brother Rene N. Phaneuf, Sister Noella B. Martin, Daughter Carla Jean Phaneuf, and Son in law Michael H. Jones. He is survived by his children, Michelle Phaneuf, Denise Learned and husband Michael, Jeanne Jones, Diane Connell and husband Thomas, Paula Clement and husband Stephen, Michael Phaneuf and wife Gabriella Fatone, and Christopher Phaneuf. Pepere will remain forever in the memories of his 10 grandchildren and great granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Hazen YMCA Phaneuf Family Endowment Fund at https://camphazenymca.campintouch.com/ui/forms/donor/Form. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 8, with the celebration of his Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave. W. Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Friends and family may call Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. W. Hartford.