Friday, February 28, 2025
My first memories of Uncle Eugene were visiting him on Romaine Avenue in Jersey City as a kid. He had a bookshelf in the hall filled with cool stuff he’s let us touch. His place was always neat and in order. He wore funky glasses like Elton John and he would set up an ironing board in the kitchen and iron his jeans. Whenever we visited, he’s let us watch big kid movies and he’d call my dad “buddy” which I thought was pretty funny.
Eugene was a great uncle. He loved his nieces and nephews and spoiled us with hard rolls, walks to the corner store, Jules Pizza and mussels down at Tommy’s. We always got excited when he would bring Regina to Virginia and when we found out we were getting more Wallace cousins, we were over the moon. Uncle Eugene always wanted a family. His Regina, kids and grand kids were his joy. He would call my mom and fill her in on the latest and would always send us pictures of Eugene’s kindergarten graduation, the twins in their baby seats, school pictures, basketball team shots and pictures of their adventures to games or wrestling matches or trips down the shore.
As I got older, I started to pick up more of what Eugene was putting down. Uncle Eugene was so sharp, smart, quick witted and so fast with the funny. You always wanted to be near him at wakes or weddings, beach hangouts or baby showers because he had the best stories and he knew how to tell them. He was an instigator and prankster who instigated a lot of good times. He could read the room, break the ice, crack you up and lift you up with his one liners, straight shootin’ and bustin’ chops along the way. Eugene would do anything for his family and we all knew and felt it. He was always proud of us. He would always ask how JM was doing and I know they are having a great time together now. I love you Uncle Eugene! You raised amazing children and showed us how to be an incredible uncle! Grateful for the gift of your humor and huge heart in our lives!
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