Eugene A. Presta, 79, of West Bend, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa surrounded by his loving family.
Eugene was born on May 21, 1936, in Brooklyn. Eugene was always very proud of his Brooklyn and Italian heritage. He was a long time resident of West Bend where he shared his love of food and his Italian heritage through his restaurant Presto Italiano. Eugene was also proud of his service as a Korean War veteran with the U.S. Air Force. In recent years, he was a member of the American Legion Post 36 of West Bend. After his service in the Air Force, Eugene earned his B.S. Electrical Engineering from University of Delaware. His inventions for bank and planetarium technology demonstrate his technological aptitude. As an entrepreneur of educational materials, he spread his passion for education.
Those whom Eugene leaves behind to cherish his memory include Carol, his “Dear”; four children, Cathy Salazar of New York, Paul Presta of Colorado, Karen (George) Kersey of Missouri, and Eugene (Bernadette) Presta of Texas; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a step-daughter, Lisa (Keith) Breu of Wisconsin; a sister and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Presta, and two brothers.
A Mass of Christian burial for Eugene will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend. Eugene’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local food pantry or homeless shelter.
The Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service in West Bend has been entrusted with Eugene’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.