Eugene A. Pickett

Eugene A. Pickett, 91, of Clarendon, NY and Davenport, FL passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the AdventHealth Hospital in Davenport.

Born June 5, 1933 in Greig, NY, he was a son of the late Harold Gardner and Jessie (Burdick) Pickett. Eugene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. He was employed as a machinist at Davenport Machine in Rochester for over 41 years, retiring in 1997. On April 25, 1986 he married the former Antoinette “Toni” Mazzo. Active in his community, Gene was proud to be a charter member of the Clarendon Vol. Fire Co., where he served as Fire Policeman, Lieutenant, Assistant Chief and Chief for 4 years. He served in various municipal capacities for the Town of Clarendon, including Town Assessor, Building Inspector, Zoning Officer and belonged to the historical society. As a proud veteran, Gene was a volunteer driver for the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council and was a member of the American Legion Post #0529 in Holley. He also belonged to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and was a former member of the Disciples United Methodist Church in Holley.

Gene and Toni wintered for many years in Davenport, FL. Not one to sit idle, Gene worked as a ride operator at Disney World and was a groundsman for the Kansas City Royals. He worked on the Florida Road Rangers Safety Patrol and as a hospital driver for the Centra Care clinics and volunteered for the Citizens Assisted Patrol in Polk County. In addition, Gene loved horseback riding, travelling and was an avid reader.

He was predeceased by his parents and stepfather, Robert; all seven of his siblings; special aunt and uncle, Frederick and Lucille Pickett; mother in-law, Josephine Mazzo; brothers in-law, Martin Mazzo and Francis Comella; and sister in-law, Mary Ann Mazzo.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Antoinette “Toni” Pickett; children, David (Kimberly) Pickett and Diane Hart; stepchildren, Steven Wagner, Jason (Bonny) Wagner and Eric Wagner (Crystal Gurney); grandchildren, Terri (Kenneth) Frasier, Shane (Kathy) Norton, Erin (Joseph) Carsale, Heather Pickett, Nathan (Brooke) Pickett, Nastasia (Jordan) Wagner-Smith, Calista Wagner, Rutger Wagner (Emma Maxson) and DJ Wagner-Young; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, River Rose Edwards; sister in-law, Katheen Comella; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3-7PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. His funeral will also be held at the funeral home the following morning, Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 11AM. Interment with full military honors will be held in Hillside Cemetery in Holley at a later date in the spring. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clarendon Vol. Fire Co., 16169 E. Lee Rd., Holley, NY 14470 or to the Hilton Baptist Church at www.hiltonbaptist.org/donate.