Eugene W. “Gene” Wescovich, Jr., 86, of Fairview Heights, IL, born July 2, 1940, in Biloxi, MS, died Thursday, October 22, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, Gene was a talented athlete and a beloved son and brother. Following his education as a seminarian of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, he followed a different path that brought him to Belleville, IL, as a lay person with a lifelong connection to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Later, he worked for 25 years at Washington University in St. Louis, until his retirement.
He loved sports, especially tennis and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. He was a lovingly devoted father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene W. Sr., and Aurora, nee Breaux, Wescovich; a brother, Leroy (Donna) Wescovich; a sister, Mary Ann Bishop; brother-in-law, Richard Lassabe; brother-in-law; Raymond Moran; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Rita Eddy; brother-in-law, Robert Eddy; and sister-in-law, Carol Eddy.
Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen Wescovich, nee Eddy, whom he married on June 8, 1974; three children, Daniel Wescovich (Katie Dintelman), Ellen Jacobs (John Kelly), and Timothy Wescovich (Erin Fey); five grandchildren, Aurora and Owen Jacobs and Mason, Braden, and Jaxson Kelly; two brothers and a sister, Maurice (Barbara) Wescovich, Henrietta Lassabe Moran, and Jimmie Wescovich; a brother-in-law, Harry Bishop; a sister-in-law, Judith Eddy; and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to AW Home Healthcare, Hospice of Southern Illinois and Comforting Transitions for your kindness and care for Gene during these last years and months. We will be forever grateful for the time you spent with us.
Memorials may be made to Althoff Catholic High School. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 12 noon Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.
As a final act of kindness, Gene donated his body to Washington University School of Medicine.