Obituary of Eugene G. Kerstanski

Eugene “Gene” G. Kerstanski of Florida, NY, entered into rest on Friday, July 6, 2018.  He was 80.

Born, February 4, 1938 in Jersey City, NJ, he was the son of Genevieve Kerstanski and raised by his grandparents, the late Frances & Joseph Kerstanski.

Gene was a “jack of all trades”.  He drove a fuel oil tank for Swartz Oil in Florida, NY. , hauled produce from Pine Island to the market at the docks in New York City, ran the refrigeration cooler for Gratz & Utter Produce and was the owner of G & J Service Center in Florida, NY.  He later switched to farming and had the “Best Corn” in the County at his produce stand on South Main Street for over 20 years; his amazing vegetables will be missed by many.

Gene was an amazing, husband & father to his 7 kids.  He worked tirelessly to provide for his family.  A man with a heart of gold and would give anything to help those in need.   Many stopped by his vegetable stand for his witt and humor or just to say “hello”.   A man who was truly unforgettable, you could have one conversation with him and you would remember him forever.  Gene and Rose sacrificed their entire lives for the benefit of their children and grandchildren.  Dad, we loved you in life and we know your spirit will fill our hearts, until we meet again. As Dad would always say, “I’LL SEE YOU WHEN I SEE YOU!”.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Rose Nowicki Kerstanski; son, Gene Kerstanski & wife Melissa; 6 daughters, Regina Sargent; Julianna Kerstanski and Ken Godsey; Justina Moser & Bob Padgett; Roxanna Kerstanski & Gary Valentine; Marina Kerstanski & Nicholas Moustakes; Lorianna Nizolek & husband Jeff; and son-in-law, James Moser.  His 11 grandchildren, Gene, Ashley & Brooke Kerstanski; Dalton & Casey Sargent, Kelly & Emily Godsey, Rose Kerstanski, Jimmy Moser & wife Brittany, Dr. Dimitrios Moustakas & wife Shastidy, Athena Moustakas; 2 great grandchildren, Jackson Grey Kerstanski & Nicholas Dimitrios Moustakas; 4 brothers, Syl Kerstanski (Virginia), Allen (Dot), Robert (Linda) & Kenneth (Marie) Wierzbicki; sister, Carol Korey; sisters-in-law, Teresa Pierce & husband Al; and Frances Delorenzo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 4 brothers, Stanley & Leo Wierzbicki; John & Joseph Kerstanski; 3 sisters, Anna Komchowski, Rose Weslowski & Mae Latero; Mother & Father-in-laws, Josephine Bonczek Nowicki & Frank S. Nowicki; brothers-in-law, Stanley F. Nowicki & Richard Korey.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 10th from 2-4 & 6-9PM at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921.

Funeral Mass will be held 10AM Wednesday, July 11th at St. Joseph Church, 20 Glenmere Avenue, Florida, NY 10921.

Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Florida, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stanley F. Nowicki Memorial Scholarship, C/O Lorianna Nizolek, 178 Collabar Road, Montgomery, NY 12549.