Pete R. Gentile

Pete R. Gentile, 84, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at a local nursing home.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Martha Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Logan Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Pete was born Feb. 6, 1924, in Sioux City, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Samoni) Gentile. He received his education in Sioux City Public School System. He worked for his parents at the South Side Food Market for 17 years before the business was flooded out in 1953.

He married Charlene Spray on Feb. 3, 1950. the couple always made their home in Sioux City. He joined the crew at Barber Transportation, working his way up to terminal manager before his retirement after 25 years of service. He then worked as a sacker for the Indian Hills Super Valu.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand, being very supportive to his children throughout their childhood and adult years. He enjoyed playing baseball and cards. He was a member of the Church of All Nations for more than 20 years, the men's club associated with the church and was head usher for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charlene Gentile of Sioux City; children, Laurie (Nathan) Hembd of Sioux City, Diana Vassey of Sioux City, Cheryl (Robert) Myers of Sioux City and Pete L. (Patricia) Gentile of Onalaska, Wash.; a sister, Mary (Herman) Thomas of Corpus Christi, Texas; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother.