Eugene P. “Gene” Excell, 65, of Larkin Rd., Hubbardsville, NY, passed away Monday, October 17, 2011, at his home. He was born November 7, 1945, in Utica, a son of the late Eugene C. and Kathrene Baldwin Excell. He was a graduate of Hamilton High School in 1965, where he played football and was a member of the state championship team. He always looked forward to and enjoyed attending his class reunions. Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country in the Vietnam Conflict. On December 28, 1968, he married the former Diane Lynn Dunster in the First United Methodist Church in Earlville. Gene was a cable splicer/technician for Frontier Communications for 42 years.

He had also helped at his son’s business, Excell Motorsports in Hubbardsville. Gene was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the F&AM Lodge #129 in Waterville. He was a member of the Shriners in Utica, and he dedicated many hours entertaining as a clown for the Children’s Hospital Burn Unit. His favorite pastimes included hunting, motorsports and draft horses.

Surviving is his wife, Diane; his children, Aaron Excell and Shelly Brennan of East Hamilton; Adam and Jennifer Excell of Earlville; Andrew and Lee Excell of Smyrna; a sister and brother-in-law, Faith and David Hubbard of Central Square; his beloved grandchildren, Caleb, Austin, Hannah and Jonah; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of his family from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton.

A celebration of his life will be held at noon on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Excell Motorsports, 2292 State Route 12, Hubbardsville, NY.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bassett Cancer Institute, c/o Susan van der Sommen, 1 Atwell Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326.