PEARSALL, Eugene Arthur (Gene)

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe AZ Wednesday, Nov 17th, 2010 Eugene Arthur "Gene" Pearsall, age 80, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 11, 2010. He was born in Mineola, N.Y. on April 18, 1930 to Wallace and Ruth Pearsall. His father was a stunt pilot and introduced his son to many of the famous early pilots who were his friends, including Amelia Earhart. After serving in the Army attached to the O.S.S. in post- World War II Germany, he returned home and married Joanne Williams. They resided in Levittown, N.Y. where they began raising a family. Building on his love for the theater, Gene graduated in 1960 from Hofstra University with a degree in Dramatic Arts and went on to attend and graduate from the Eagen School of Drama in New York City along with many famous actors of the day. From a young age he loved radio, and that love brought him out west in the late 1960's where he worked at KIKO radio in Claypool as the morning air personality and general manager. Many people may fondly remember his weekday morning radio show with a recording of Gene's young boys waking everyone up to "It's the Gene Pearsall show!" During this time Gene also traveled around the state doing live remote broadcasts for the Globe High School sports teams. Gene loved sports cares and in the early 1970's raced his purple #0 stock car at the Globe-Miami Speedway. He enjoyed serving the Globe-Miami community where he was recognized as Citizen of the Month, Mr. Gila County, and also served as Rodeo Chairman. Gene also served in the lay ministry at St. John's Episcopal Church in Globe. After Joanne's passing, he met and married his current wife Patricia of New York City in 1986. Together they owned and operated KJAA radio station in Globe from 1988 to 2001 when Gene retired. Gene is survived by his wife of 24 years, Patricia; his sons, Edward and William (Tonya) Pearsall; six grandchildren, Brittany, Amanda, Brionna, Asher, Eli and Zion; one great-grandson, Damen; his brother, Douglas (Benita) Pearsall of New York; and many other family members. Gene will be remembered by his family for giving big long hugs, always telling them that he loved them, the wonderful sparkle in his eyes, and witty sense of humor. Funeral services for Gene Pearsall will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Globe. Visitation will be on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Holy Angels, followed by Rosary at 1:30 p.m. Mass will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, at Holy Angels. After cremation, interment will be at Calverton National Cemetery in Riverhead, N.Y. The family requests that memorials be sent to Copper Communities Hospice, 136 S. Broad St., Globe, AZ 85501. Assisting the family is Lamont Mortuary.