Eugene “Gene”

Francis Szabo

Jan. 12, 1964 - Nov. 21, 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - Eugene “Gene” Szabo, 54, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 in Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Gene was born January 12, 1964 in South Bend, IN to JoAnne Szabo and the late Robert Reece. Gene grew up in South Bend and was the youngest of five children. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1982. Gene moved to Dallas, TX in 1984 and lived there until he returned to South Bend last year. Gene worked as an IT Specialist for his entire career, most recently at Denovo. Gene's colleagues and supervisors knew him as a valued employee and great teammate they could always count on.

One of Gene's loves in life was the game of golf. He learned how to play from his beloved father, John Szabo. He started playing at a very young age and displayed tremendous talent in the sport. Gene spent his summer days at the golf course, often making bets with his friends and usually winning. Gene also loved his dog, Clara, and was looking forward to adopting a Boston terrier in the future. Anyone who knew Gene also knew that he was an excellent cook and he loved entertaining his family and friends. He was known for his famous stuffed jalapenos and strawberry cheesecake.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, John Szabo; and a sister-in-law, Becky Szabo. Gene is survived by his wife, Julie Szabo of Ft. Worth, TX; his mother, JoAnne Szabo of South Bend; stepsons, Kevin & Ryan; sisters, Mary (Jack) Strom of South Bend and Roberta (Rolf) Rovang of Plano, TX; and brothers, Robert Szabo of Granger, Ralph (Joyce) Szabo of Carrolton, TX, John Szabo (Theodora Fine) of MD, and Tom (Arlene) Szabo of NC. Gene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene didn't know a stranger and had friends everywhere he went. He loved to have fun and was incredibly caring. In the past year, Gene became a member of the American Legion Post 50 and enjoyed spending time there with his many friends. Gene had a true love for Notre Dame football and the Dallas Cowboys. Gene will be remembered for his infectious smile and kind heart.

Gene's family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Memorial Hospital ICU. They were tremendously supportive and caring in Gene's last days.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Gene's Life from 3:00pm to 6:oopm Friday, November 30, 2018 at ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 Mayflower Rd. with a Funeral Service to be begin at 6:00pm in the funeral home chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gene's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, www2.jdrf.org.

Gene has now joined his beloved father John in the country club in the sky.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

11/28/2018 JFC