Eugene James Letterio Jr, age 81 of Sanford, FL passed away on July 16, 2020. Gene was born on May 6, 1939 in West Newton, PA to Eugene and Mary Jane Letterio. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary. His children Patty (Brent) Smartt, Kim (Tony) Rossi, Shane (Debbie) Letterio, Lisa (Rob) Yuknavage and Niki (Denny) Voyles. His eight grandchildren; Alex and Tory Smartt, Officer Lexi and Tony Rossi, Brianna and Kayla Letterio and Braden and Ashlyn Voyles. His sister Donna Letterio of Celebration, FL.

Gene attended the University of Dayton and graduated from University of Pittsburgh. After graduation he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. He moved to Orlando, FL in 1966 where he met the love of his life, Mary. He owned his own business for over 40 years, but his true passion was coaching and mentoring Central Florida youth. Gene was instrumental in bringing Pop Warner football to Central Florida and served as the first commissioner of the All American football conference.

Although he loved football you could always find him on a baseball field. He coached from little league to high school all throughout Central Florida for over 45 years. In 1984 he took the Altamonte Springs Senior League All-Star team to a World Series Championship, beating Taiwan.

Some of his accomplishments include, being a lifetime member of the Optimist Club, being inducted into the Altamonte Springs Little League Hall of Fame and being recognized by the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service and commitment to youth sports.

Gene was a loving, hard working man who loved storytelling, the Holidays, and his family. In lieu of flowers please get a colonoscopy, play some golf, eat some good pasta, and spend time with your family at a baseball game.

Funeral service is July 24, 2020 at 1:30pm at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

The family of Eugene James Letterio, Jr. invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory.