Eugene “Gene” Thomas Moroni, age 87, of Herrin, IL, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2005 at 6 p.m. at the Severin Intermediate Care Center in Benton, IL. Eugene was born in Herrin on January 9, 1918 to John H. and Josephine, nee Colombo, Moroni. He married Wilma Lorraine Davis on October 17, 1940 in Harrisburg, IL. She preceded him in death on April 26, 2002. Mr. Moroni retired on February 1, 1981, after 41 years in the coal industry. His illustrious career includes the following accomplishments: Senior Vice-President of the Old Ben Coal company, Vice-President of SOHIO Western Mining Company, Vice-President of SOHIO Oil Company, Board Member of Algers, Winslow, and Western Rail Road, President of the Illinois Mining Institute (’63-’64), Chariman of the Illinois Coal Association (’78), a member of President Johnson’s Commission to participate in review and revision of existing federal mining laws (’67, ’68), and a U.S. Representative (coal industry) to Poland in 1977. Gene was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. He was a member of the Elks B.P.O.E., Knights of Columbus, the Lion’s Club, the Illinois Mining Institute, Mid-Day Club in Chicago, and the COBRA Club in Chicago. Mr. Moroni was also a member of the ROTC University of Illinois and a life member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Survivors include two sons, Thomas Eugene (Patti) Moroni of Arlington, Ohio, James Paul (Michelle) Moroni of Oregon, Ohio; two daughters, Nancy Jane (Dan) Gouge of Benton, IL, Cyndy (Jim) Turner of Christopher, IL; five grandchildren, Tracy (Vincent) Turner of Murphysboro, IL, Daniele (Ed) Belva of Sparta, IL, Elaine (Greg) Wolfe of Newman, GA, Dede (John) Reichart of El Mirage, AZ and James Paul Moroni II of Oregon, Ohio; one great-grandson, Quinn Edward Belva of Sparta, IL; brother-in-law, Bill Snyder of Marion, IL; sister-in-law, Mildred Davis of Herrin, IL; special friends, Bill and Mel Winnett of Herrin, IL. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and wife, son John Gregory Moroni, daughter Rosemary Moroni, granddaughter Audra Nicole Moroni, sister Mary Louise Snyder. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday December 9, 2005 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin with Monsignor Ken Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday December 8, 2005 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with a Rosary Service at 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Renovation Fund and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com
