Eugene E. “Gene” Pyka, 84, of East Haven, beloved husband of Jane Bergeron Pyka, passed away on July 14 in Branford Hills Health Care Center.

He was the loving father of Deborah Pyka of Guilford, Lynda (Thomas) Kirkpatrick of Pasadena, California, Christopher (Kim) Pyka and Cindy Morelli, all of Oxford, and Larry (Michelle) Pyka of Waterford. He was the stepfather of John Pyrdol of West Haven. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Agnes Shopis, Frances Copeland, Wanda Pyka, Marie Mickiewicz, and Andrew Pyka.

Gene was born in Derby on April 19, 1934, son of the late John and Catherine Widwovich Pyka. Prior to his retirement, Gene was a manager for TRW Business Machines. Gene was also an Army veteran and member of the VFW of Derby. He loved sailing, playing the harmonica, playing pool, and golfing. Gene was full of life, always had a smile, and everything was always “fantastic” and “you better believe it.”

His funeral procession left the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven, July 18. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church. Interment with Military Honors followed in All Saints Cemetery. Friends called July 17. For an online obituary or to sign Gene’s guest book, visit www.portofuneralhomes.net.