Funeral Friday For Gene Sebastian, 87

Gene Sebastian, 87, a lifelong resident of Framingham, died peacefully Saturday, August 1, 2015 at his home in Framingham surrounded by his family and friends.

He was the loving husband of 46 years the late Doris E. (Dukes) Sebastian.

He was the son of the late Pasqualino A. and Alma (Anderson) Sebastiano.

He was a graduate of Framingham High School.

During high school, Sebastian, enlisted at the age of 17 into the U.S. Coast Guard. He served as a radio operator and earned the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E5), at the time he was the youngest E5 in the Coast Guard.

Sebastian, co-owned, Waban Shoe Repair, along with his brother Albert; a family business established in 1926 until his retirement in 1997.

He was the face of the company and was known for his outgoing personality and his work ethic. Waban Shoe was featured in Boston Magazine and was several times “Boston’s Best”.

He was a collector of classic cars including Thunderbirds and Woodie station wagons and sedans. His cars won numerous “Best in Show”.

He was a member of first chapter of The National Woodie Club and recently received an award from the Yankee Woodie Chapter for outstanding contributions; the award is now named in his honor.

He loved having Saturday breakfast at Mel’s restaurant with the members of the car club, a tradition which has continued for over 40 years.

He was an active member of the Sudbury VFW Post 8771 for 10 years and was Junior Commander for 4 years. He worked tirelessly on behalf of fellow veterans and for our wounded warriors.

He was also a life member of the Framingham Elks.

Sebastian was a member of St. Anselm Church in Sudbury which he helped maintain the grounds well into his 80’s. He played a prominent role in the vigil which allowed St. Anselm to maintain its status as a rectorate.

He is survived by his three sons, Stephen J. Sebastian and his wife Ibelle, James M. Sebastian and his wife Eileen and Jack Sebastian and his wife Alissa; five loving grandchildren Stephanie, Nicholas, Timothy, Christopher and Morgan Sebastian. He is also survived by brothers, Albert Sebastian and his wife Eleanor of Framingham, Richard Sebastian and his wife Judy of Framingham, Robert “Buck” Sebastian and his wife Ann of Chicopee, his sister-in-law Sue Sebastian and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Guy Sebastian.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday at 9 a.m. from the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St., (corner of Union Ave.), Framingham followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anselm’s Church, 100 Landham Rd. Sudbury. Burial will follow in the family lot in St. Stephen Cemetery in Framingham.

Visiting Hours at the funeral home will be Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Coast Guard Foundation, 394 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378. www.coastguardfoundation.org