UTICA — On July 5, 2011, Mr. Eugene “Gene” J. Pedrotti of Utica passed away at the age of 84, following hospitalization at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.

Gene was born on Dec. 6, 1926, to Angelo and Esterina Pedrotti in Gloucester, Mass. Following his graduation from the Gloucester public school system, Gene served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Upon his honorable discharge from service in 1944, Gene attended Coyne Electrical School in Boston, Mass., and was employed by various electrical contractors. He was employed with Gorton’s, a subsidiary of General Mills in Gloucester, until his retirement in 1989. Gene moved to Utica in December 1989 and resided with his sister.

Gene lived his life to the fullest, filling every possible moment with gardening, boating and enjoying the company of his family and friends. As a native of Gloucester, Gene developed a passion for the Atlantic Ocean, which afforded the beauty and comforts that he enjoyed on his boat, simply named “La Dolce Vita” (The Sweet Life).

His sister, Angelina “Angie” Pedrotti Griffin Kitchens of Utica, and his best friend, Pepé, survive Gene.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at Glenwood Funeral Home in Utica, followed by a graveside service at the Griffin Cemetery on Griffin Road in Utica. The service will be presided over by Brad Hartzog, pastor of Utica Christian Church in Utica. Bob Lee Currie, Norton Barlow, Craig Griffin, Shelton Griffin, Tommy Griffin and Justin Griffin will serve as pallbearers, and Murray S. Griffin will serve as honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Charlie Griffin Memorial Scholarship; Mississippi State University Foundation at P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or to the Charlie Griffin Memorial Scholarship; Hinds Community College Development Foundation at P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154-1100.