Eugene G. Kerstanski

Eugene “Gene” G. Kerstanski of Florida, N.Y., entered into rest on Friday, July 6, 2018. He was 80.
Born Feb. 4, 1938, in Jersey City, N.J., he was the son of Genevieve Kerstanski and raised by his grandparents, Frances and Joseph Kerstanski.
Gene was a “jack of all trades.” He drove a fuel oil tank for Swartz Oil in Florida, N.Y., 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, N.Y.
He later switched to farming and had the “Best Corn” in the County at his produce stand on South Main Street for more than 20 years; his amazing vegetables will be missed by many.
Gene was an amazing husband and father to his seven 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 wit 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 and wife Melissa; daughters: Regina Sargent; Julianna Kerstanski and Ken Godsey; Justina Moser and Bob Padgett; Roxanna Kerstanski and Gary Valentine; Marina Kerstanski and Nicholas Moustakes; and Lorianna Nizolek and husband Jeff; and son-in-law James Moser; his 11 grandchildren: Gene, Ashley and Brooke Kerstanski; Dalton and Casey Sargent, Kelly and Emily Godsey, Rose Kerstanski, Jimmy Moser and wife Brittany, Dr. Dimitrios Moustakes and wife Shastidy and Athena Moustakes; great grandchildren: Jackson Grey Kerstanski and Nicholas Dimitrios Moustakes; brothers Syl Kerstanski (Virginia), Allen (Dot), Robert (Linda) and Kenneth (Marie) Wierzbicki; sister Carol Korey; sisters-in-law Teresa Pierce and husband Al; and Frances Delorenzo; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by four brothers: Stanley and Leo Wierzbicki and John and Joseph Kerstanski; three sisters: Anna Komchowski, Rose Weslowski and Mae Latero; mother and father-in-laws Josephine Bonczek Nowicki and Frank S. Nowicki; brothers-in-law Stanley F. Nowicki and Richard Korey.
Visitation was held July 10 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home in Florida.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated July 11 at St. Joseph Church in Florida.
Burial was held in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Stanley F. Nowicki Memorial Scholarship, C/O Lorianna Nizolek, 178 Collabar Road, Montgomery, NY 12549.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.