Eugene F. Pasquini, 84, salesman, veteran

Eugene F. Pasquini, 84, of Havertown, a retired regional sales manager and decorated World War II veteran, died of bladder cancer Saturday at his home.

Mr. Pasquini graduated from South Philadelphia High School, and then worked as a shipping clerk and took courses at night at the University of Pennsylvania.

During World War II, he served in the Army in the Pacific. On May 29, 1945, he was wounded by enemy fire while landing on Okinawa. He lost a leg and spent almost two years recovering in military hospitals, enduring many operations, his daughter Denise Valerio said. He was told that so much of his leg had been amputated that he would not be able to use a prosthesis, but he was determined, and wore one for the rest of his life.

"It wasn't those lightweight titanium models; it weighed 40 pounds," his daughter said. He never used a cane or crutches, and never complained, she said.

For years, he kept a newspaper clipping of a favorite quotation, which read in part: "Courage implies knowing the dangers, weighing them carefully, and then doing one's best, with God's help."

After his recovery, Mr. Pasquini worked in sales for a trucking company. His boss wanted him in the office, but he proved that he could be successful on the road despite his handicap, his daughter said. He was with two local companies before joining Schuster's Express in Northeast Philadelphia in the early 1970s. He retired as regional sales manager in 1986. He was past president of the Traffic and Transportation Club of Philadelphia.

For years, he never spoke of his war experience, his daughter said. Recently, he began sharing memories with other veterans, including a former German soldier, at a weekly gathering at a local McDonald's.

He also enjoyed the Internet and e-mailing family and friends, and being involved in his grandchildren's lives.

Since 1951, Mr. Pasquini had been married to Marie "Sandy" Pistoia Pasquini. They met in Atlantic City.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Pasquini is survived by daughters Regina Rinchiuso and Monica Frucelli, and six grandchildren.

Friends may call from 8:30 to 10 a.m. tomorrow at Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. at St. Dorothy Church, 4901 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026, to which memorial contributions may be made. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.