Eugene John Dondero, 92, of Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Montvale, New Jersey, passed away on Friday November 6, 2020, after a valiant battle with Cancer.

Gene was born in Hoboken, New Jersey to Edna and Ernest Dondero. He had one older brother, Ernest Dondero with whom he was very close until his brother's death in 2010.

Gene attended St. Johns Preparatory H igh School in Jersey City, New Jersey. After graduation he volunteered in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Se rg eant. After the war, Gene graduated from Rutgers University, with a Bachelor's Degree in 1956. The bulk of his Professional career was spent at Ciba-Ge igy (now Novartis), in White Plains, New York, where he rose to the position of Vice President.

From the time he was an Altar boy at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hoboken, New Jersey, Gene was a devoted and enthusiastic Catholic.

He married the love of his life, Helen, a Registered Nurse in 1960. They settled in Montvale, New Jersey where they raised two children; James and Nancy. They were married almost 50 years, before Helen died in 2010 of complications from Multiple Sclerosis.

Gene took his parentin g responsibilities seriously; never missing a practice, game, play or scouting event. He was also extremely proud of his grandchildren Reese, Jameson, Alexander and Nicholas. Nothing brought him more joy than being around his family.

When Gene and Helen moved to Florida in 1997, he enjoyed swimming in the ocean and going to Dodgers baseball games. He was an enthusiastic Football fan (particularly the NY Giants). He was an avid reader and an expert in American History (particularly the Civil War). He enjoyed playing board games and reading to his grandchildren.

Nothing was more important to him than his family and he hopes his legacy of family first lives on in his children and grandchildren. He was a simple man of few words but was known for his kind and compassionate spirit.

He is at peace now with his beloved Helen, his parents (Ernest and Edna), and his brother Ernest and sister-in-law Inez. He also leaves behind a few cousins and a cherished niece and nephew.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Holy Cross Church, Community Outreach Program, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, Fl. 32963 to help those stru ggl ing through these challenging times.

Private Services to be held at a later date.