Gene was born to Peter and Petra (Sisich) Colucci. He spent his entire life on the same property in Opportunity.

Gene served in the Army from February 1951 to February 1953. His first deployment was to Korea. 

Gene loved to hunt, fish, rope, snowmobile, camp  and was passionate about any outdoor activity.

Gene worked most of his life in construction. 

He had his own business prior to serving in the Army; he worked at S&N Construction and retired from the Deer Lodge County Road Department in 1992. He also spent time with the Deer Lodge County Sheriff’s Department.

Gene was a volunteer fireman, spending 30-plus years with the Opportunity Fire Department. Gene was one of the original 28 firemen and retired as the chief in 1985.

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Colwell) Colucci; his daughters, Rose Marie (Mike) Cheney of Wyoming, Jean Ann (Joe) Morris of Arizona and Debbie (Robert) Chandler of Wyoming; grand-

children, Jacob and Drew Cheney, Matthew and Kelly Morris and Kendyl Chandler; one brother, Jim (Lynn) Pollock of Montana; one sister, Patsy (Don) DeTonancour of Montana; sister-in-law, Josephine Colucci of Montana; brothers-in-law, Charles Colwell of Montana, Duane (Shirley) Colwell of Montana and Clifford (Carole) Colwell of Montana; aunts, Velma Batten of Montana, Shirley Matosich of Montana, Jeanette Matosich of Monana and Flora Matosich of California. He has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, Peter Colucci; his mother, Petra Pollock; his stepfather, James Pollock; and his brother, John Colucci.

Regardless of how old you are, what condition you are in, or how long you have suffered; it is never easy accepting death. We can, however, find comfort knowing Gene is living pain-free in a greater place. 

Many friends and family visited or called Gene in the hospital and nursing home. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you. A very special thank you to Dr. Hueftle, Dr. Stevenson and their staff. Your exceptional care was appreciated more than words can express. Gene’s family appreciates everyone who has shared their stories, said a prayer, laughed with us, cried, spoke a comforting word when it was needed most, or hugged and said nothing.

Donations will gratefully be accepted by the Opportunity Fire Department, the Crest Nursing Home, the Easter Seals Highland Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda.

Visitation hours will begin Tuesday at 6 p.m. with the Vigil Service at 7 p.m., all at KT Riddle Funeral Home.

KT Riddle Funeral Home is entrusted with Gene’s funeral arrangements.