Fairport: August 9, 2015 at age 87. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Hughes and Patricia Anderson (Rod Becker); sister, Marilyn Fry: grandchildren, Katie and Alison Gillespie, Meredith and Ashton Hughes, Amanda, Jody, and Scotty Anderson, Samantha Olsen, Jeremy Metzger: son-in-law, James Gillespie; stepdaughter, Susan Metzger: stepson, Paul Metzger; niece, nephews, and cousins.
Predeceased by his beloved daughter and son, Susan Gillespie and Scott Dinkel; parents, Howard W. and Margaret C. Dinkel; son-in-law, Richard Hughes; wife, Joanne.
Gene was a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He served with the Eighth Army in Korea from 1950-1952. He worked for Wolff Associates in advertising before starting his own ad agency, the Eye & Ear, in 1972. Gene loved old planes and trains and fast cars. He was a 50-year member of the Finger Lakes Region of the Sports Car Club of America, during which time he served as crew member, race worker, newsletter editor, activities director, regional executive, and race chairman. Later in life he finally took up racing, and what he may have lacked in speed he certainly made up for in enthusiasm. Gene was also a member of the NY Transportation Museum. Historic Aircraft Group, MG Car Club, National Railway Historical Society, and the Flower City Jazz Society.
Gene’s family extends sincere thanks to the special people at the Fairport Baptist Home for the wonderful care they provided him with warmth and good humor. Services and interment private. Please celebrate Gene’s life by gathering with good friends, sharing stories, and raising a glass in his memory.