Eugene (Gene) Francis Begue

Eugene Francis Begue
September 7, 1934 - March 19, 2023
Age 88

STOW - Eugene (Gene) Francis Begue loved to tell his children, “A family that prays together, stays together,” so it was a blessing to his wife and children, that Gene died peacefully at home in Stow, Ohio, on Sunday, March 19, 2023, as The Rosary was prayed with him. Gene was born on September 7, 1934, in Randolph, Ohio. He lived the whole of his exuberant, faithful, and dedicated life in the Akron area.

Those who knew Gene best celebrate his humor, positive outlook, and the individual and authentic love shown to each family member, friend, and acquaintance. Gene’s ability to make a joy-filled connection with others resulted in a host of friends and a family filled with love, admiration, support, and commitment.

The son of Charles and Ellen Begue, Gene spent his childhood living and working on the family’s orchard and farm. Gene graduated from Randolph High School where he played both football and basketball. His life of faith was shaped at the St. Joseph Catholic Parish where Gene was a grade-school student, an altar boy, and made his first holy communion and confirmation.

Gene met Janet Schmitt on a blind date in Ellet, Ohio. A movie and dinner was the first step in their long journey of deep love and firm dedication to one another. Their example of commitment shines through their marriage of 66 years. A shared faith in Christ and dedication to family, friends, and the community has been a hallmark of their presence in the towns of Randolph, Barberton, Suffield, and Stow.

Always industrious and ambitious, Gene’s career in civil construction included projects ranging from large highways to local neighborhood infrastructure and site work for many of the community’s retail and commercial developments. Gene’s first job was as a water boy for the HM Miller Company. He also worked at Ruhlin Construction among other companies. He worked tirelessly to learn the civil construction industry, becoming an Equipment Operator, Foreman, Superintendent, Project Manager, and Estimator. After many years mastering his craft, Gene started EFB Construction, a local and trusted mainstay of the Northeastern, Ohio, real estate and construction industry. Gene proudly employed his three sons, and together they built a business that is both trusted and admired. Two of his sons, Eric and John, continue on with EFB.

At the heart of Gene’s exuberant life is his family. His wife, Janet, survived Gene along with his children, including Elaine, and husband, Tim Atkinson; Eugene and wife, Laura Begue, Gail and husband, Jeff Stotlar, Patty, and her partner, David Thorpe, John Begue, and his partner, Lisa Grim, and Eric Begue. His grandchildren include, John, Michael, and Joseph Atkinson, Laura Cobb, Gena and Frank Begue, David, Steven, and Trevor Stotlar, Natalie (Berryman) Dye, Alex Berryman, Meghan and Katie Begue, and Andrew, Cole, and Kendall Begue. His seven great-grandchildren include, Eloise, James, Josephine, and Ian Atkinson, and Nora, Henry, and Hudson Cobb.

Gene’s countenance always shined brightest with joy and good humor when his family was gathered with him. Any holiday, life celebration, football game, or simple visit brought out the best of Gene. Everyone in the family looked to “Grandpa” as the center of life and an event. His abundant love for each of the family members was evidenced by his inside jokes as a connection point with each of his loved ones. Gene’s love of family wove together with his love for the outdoors. Whether time on a boat, on a beach building sand castles, in the backyard pool that he built, on water skis, or fishing, provided for more togetherness, more laughter, and more adventure in his life.

Calling Hours will take place in the afternoon/evening of March 31, 2023, from 4 - 7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow 44224.

Eugene Francis Begue’s life will be celebrated with a Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3179 Kent Road, Stow 44224, the following morning, on April 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Randolph 44260.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.