The passing this week of Eugene “Jeep” Eruzione marks the end of an era for many of us in Winthrop. Mr. Eruzione was the the scion of a family that has left an indelible mark upon our community.
As the husband of his beloved wife Helen (Fucillo) and the father of six children, including Olympic hero Mike and three-sport star Vin Eruzione, Jeep was a fixture at Viking sporting events for decades, including his later years when he was a big fan of the WHS football team under the direction of former head coach Tony Fucillo Sr.
Mr. Eruzione was truly proud of the accomplishments of all of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and one can only imagine the fatherly-pride that swelled within him when he was on hand at the fabled Olympic hockey rink at Lake Placid when Mike led the USA to the gold medal in 1980.
Mr. Eruzione was a Winthrop guy through-and-through; he loved his family, his extended family, and his community. We know we join with all of our fellow residents in offering our condolences to the many members of the Eruzione, Fucillo, and Jaworski families upon the passing of this wonderful man.