Eugene Bellegante

Eugene J. Bellegante, age 91 of King Hill, passed away Aug. 21, 2015, at a Boise hospital. Per his request, no formal service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at the V.F.W. Hall in Glenns Ferry. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.

Eugene was born in Rock Springs, Wyo., on June 30, 1924, to Jim and Elisabeth Bellegante. He was one of six children.

The family moved to Glenns Ferry in 1926, where he attended school and worked various jobs farming and herding cattle to help support the family. At age 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and then stationed with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy.

His tour was cut short when he suffered severe gunshot wounds to both legs. For his service and sacrifice, he was presented the Purple Heart, WWII Victory Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge.

After a long hospital stay and recovery, he returned to Camp Carson, Colo. While on leave to Glenns Ferry, he married his sweetheart, Eunice L. Owings, on Oct. 22, 1945.

After his discharge on Feb. 11, 1946, they move back to Glenns Ferry where they bought a farm and raised their five children. Eugene supported his family by farming, a city police officer and working for the Union Pacific Rail Road from which he retired in 1971. He enjoyed wood working, camping, hunting, and most of all fishing.

After his retirement, he and Eunice spent many hours fishing at Camas, Anderson Ranch and the Boise River. They also enjoyed spending time at their cabin above Pine. They celebrated the 69th Wedding Anniversary in October.

He always said that his main purpose on Earth was to take care of his loving wife. When she passed away in April, his mission complete, he gave up his fight. He left this world and all his pain to join her forever. With our love we wish him eternal rest and peace.

Eugene is survived by his five children, Eugene (Karen) Bellegante, Kathy (Mike McCombs) Stickney, Joanna (Cliff) Lewis, John (Sue) Bellegante and Andy (Deanna) Bellegante, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Angelina Harder, and brother, Jim (Sue) Bellegante. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Eunice and his brothers Joe, John and Alfred Bellegante.

The family would like to think his doctors and caregivers at the VA, Horizon and Encompass Health Care and Poplar Grove Assisted Living for their compassionate and professional care.