Eugene "Gene" Decindio

Eugene P. "Gene" DeCindio, husband, father, son, brother, of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at home, at 50 years of age.

Born Friday, September 11, 1970 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Eugene "Ginty" DeCindio and Jacqueline (Quinn) DeCindio of Tuscarora. Gene is also survived by; his wife, Melisa M. Hoshauer; son, Dillian E. DeCindio; daughter, Kayla DeCindio; son, Mark T. Smith; brother, Tony DeCindio and his wife Debbie; sisters, Josephine Uher and her husband John, Marie DeCindio and Theresa DeCindio. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive Gene.

Gene was a graduate of Marian Catholic High School and became a “Devil Dog,” enlisting in the United States Marine Corps for four years. He served in Operation Desert Shield Storm/Shield, spending five months in combat. Gene stood alongside fellow Marines with India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Division, which was a field artillery unit. During the war, Gene was in direct contact with the enemy. Due to the rapid tempo of the war, his unit became engaged in direct infantry style engagements with the enemy and his unit was responsible for capturing hundreds of enemy forces. Gene was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the expert Marine Corps Rifle Qualification Badge.

After working several years with the Department of Corrections for Pennsylvania, Gene transitioned to service as a police officer with the Muhlenberg Township Police Department. He was an accomplished marksman and became one of the firearms instructors for the police department as well as one of the premier firearms experts in the law enforcement community. Gene was known as a patient instructor who mastered the art of instructing and helping his brother officers. Also, due to Gene’s leadership abilities and knowledge of police doctrine, he was appointed as a Field Training Officer for newly hired officers. Gene was certified through the International Police Mountain Bike Association as a bicycle patrol officer. He was involved in many robust situations with criminals and always performed his duties with honor to protect the citizens he served.

Gene was fond of the outdoors and a lifelong hunter. He shared his expertise of firearms with many family members, friends, and fellow police officers. Gene loved tending to his small farm and loved the peace and serenity of living in a rural area and tending to various farm animals.

Private Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Interment with Military Honors to be bestowed Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, Pennsylvania.

A Public Celebration of Gene's Life will take place on Thursday February 25, 2021 at the New Ringgold Fire Company 25 East Railroad Ave. New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960 from 5 to 7 o'clock P.M.

online expressions of sympathy can be expressed by visiting www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com