Eugene Katrij

Eugene "Gene" Katrij, 71, of Huntersville, NC, previously of Concord, North Carolina, passed away, December 25, 2021 at Hunter Village Assisted Living.

Eugene was born August 28, 1950 in Salzburg, Austria. He was 9 months old when the family moved to the United States. The family resided in Paterson New Jersey. Gene graduated from Saint Boniface Grammar School in Paterson, NJ in 1964, and Kennedy High School in Paterson, NJ in 1968.

Gene was an active member of the golf team for two years at Kennedy High School. He was known for his sense of competition as his greatest asset. He was also active with the cross country team. He was perceived as “Cool, quiet, and easy-going” by his peers. He aspired to become a photographer, and or cinematographer.

In 1975, he entered the Army as Armorer/Unit Supply Specialist. While enlisted he was decorated with the Sharpshooter Medal. He was discharged under honorable conditions in 1976. His last duty assignment and major command were with the 629th Med Bn. at Ft ORD CA.

He worked in construction before having any health issues forced him to stop working. He was preceded in death by his father, Abrose Katrij; mother, Irene (Proch) Katrij; and brother, Bohdan "Buddy" Katrij.

Gene was a loving and caring friend of Richard Davis and Theresa (Isibor) Davis of Concord, NC, many at Saint James the Greater Parish in Concord, NC, and many more from wherever he spent time. His favorite thing was photography, fishing, classic cars, hunting, and music. He enjoyed playing his six and twelve-string guitars. He was a huge Doc Watson fan and other genres including rock and blues. Gene was a devoted catholic. He always wore his SCAPULAR around his neck and had his Rosary in his pocket.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm, on Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. James The Greater Catholic Church in Concord.  The Funeral Mass will immediately follow in the sanctuary at 1:30 pm, officiated by Father Glenn Parker.  The committal service will follow at 2:30 pm at St. James Catholic Church Cemetery, 2323 Gold Hill Rd, Concord, where Mr. Katrij will be laid to rest with military honors.

In remembrance of Eugene "Gene" Katrij's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, NC 28025.

Exodus 23:20- “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Katrij family and friends.