ZZZ Delete Legacy
Eugene “Gene” Marietta
CLINTON — Eugene “Gene” Marietta, 78, of Clinton, died at 5:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2009 at Union Hospital in Clinton. He was born June 25, 1931 in Clinton the son of Anthony and Emma Moore-Marietta.
A second-generation entrepreneur, Gene was the original owner/operator of the Breezeway and Family drive-in theaters from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, when he sold the theaters and opened Marietta Flowers and Gifts with his wife Barb. From 1976 to 1980, Gene and Barb were the local Century 21 Real Estate franchisees. From 1981 through 1996, the Mariettas operated multiple Nutri-System franchise locations, including Danville, Ill. and Lafayette, Ind.
Gene was a 1949 graduate of Clinton High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He was a lifelong resident of Clinton and was very active in the community. Gene was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the South Vermillion Country Club, Lions Club, LIFT and various other local organizations. In 1998 Gene and Barb were the Re and Regina of the Little Italy Festival.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Don and John Wayne.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Meadows of Clinton, whom he married on July 20, 1957; one son, Kevin Marietta and his wife Mary Kay of Hamilton, Ohio; three daughters, Terri Price and her husband Brian of Avon, Ind., Toni Gilman and her husband Tim of Clinton, and Debra Granger of Zionsville, Ind.; one brother, Paul Marietta of Terre Haute, Ind.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Prayer service will be at 10:45 a.m. Thursday at Karanovich-Giovanini Funeral Home in Clinton, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Church in Clinton, with Father Joseph Villa officiating. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, with Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Oncology Center with envelopes available at funeral home.
