Brunswick, NY- Gene H Senecal of Brunswick, passed away peacefully in his new home on the hill surrounded by his family and beloved grand-dogs on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Gene was born in Troy, New York, on December 4, 1942, to the late Eugene and Florence (Richardson) Senecal. In 1960, Gene graduated from Lansingburgh High School. He then carried onto Castleton University for his Bachelors Degree in English. Shortly after graduation, he was hired at Tamarac High School to teach English and film studies, which he enjoyed for the next 31 years. He became one of the most popular campus personalities and a favorite “adult” role model. Gene always appreciated the occasions his students would visit the old Hall Road Farm and spend time swapping stories, fishing, hunting, and painting. Gene, also known by most as “Geno, The Pencil Neck Geek or Turtle,” was a family man as well.
He married the late Carolyn E. Senecal (Miller) on Woodstock weekend in 1969. She was the love of his life for the next 43 years. They built their dream on a 20-acre farm on Hall Road in Pittstown, where they then were surprised with a beautiful baby girl, Hillary Senecal in 1983. She became the apple of Dad’s eye for the next 41 years. During their time at “the farm,” the trio raised Morgan horses, built bass ponds, mowed a lot…. And they truly enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
During the last few years, Gene moved to a bigger “farm” with his daughter and son-in-law, Ryan. He still enjoyed reading his books and his crosswords and keeping up with his favorite Red Sox. To his delight, with his brother and dear friends, he was still able to make his weekly trips to his favorite “watering holes,” Man of Kent and Giuseppe’s, where the bartenders would have the beers waiting!
Gene is survived by his daughter and son-in- law, Hillary Senecal and Ryan Fornango, his brother and sister-in-law, Lance and Nora Senecal, nephew, Lance K. Senecal, nephew and wife, Robert and Kimberly Kissinger, and their children, Olivia and Dylan Kissinger. In addition to his parents and wife, Carolyn, he was predeceased by a nephew, the late Nolan Senecal.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home, Inc., 2237 NY Route 7, located in Raymertown, with a short service to follow at 6:15 p.m. Burial will take place later this spring at Eagle Mills Cemetery in Brunswick.
The Senecal Family wishes to extend their most heartfelt appreciation to caregivers Leslie Shinkman and Larissa Forette for their exceptional care and compassion over the past year.
In memorium and as a way to honor Gene’s love of his many four-legged friends, please feel free to make any donations to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12203, or enjoy a nice cold Pale Ale with a friend.
