Eugene F. “Gene” McDannell, 81, of Orrtanna, peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Born June 21, 1944, he was the son of the late Paul and Margaret (Harbold) McDannell. His first jobs were working on his family’s farm and the Round Barn farm. He then began working for PennDot and retired in 2004, after 37 ½ years. Eugene was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, a life member of Cashtown Community Fire Department, and a charter member of Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed gardening, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, camping, and family vacations.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jo-Ann L. (Yasovsky) McDannell; his daughter, Malea A. Nye and husband, Kevin; son, Michael F. McDannell and fiancé, Gwenn Forsythe; grandchildren, Kelsie M. Nye and spouse, Dani, Alison P. Nye and Hunter D. McDannell and spouse, Maddie; great-grandchildren, Felix G. Nye and Galen M. McDannell and siblings, Mark E. McDannell (Dotty) and Bernard I. McDannell (Carol) as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Kathleen McDannell, John McDannell, Ruth Baker, Betty MacBeth, Louise Deardorff, Alice Williams, Clara Redding, Edna Showers, and two half-sisters, Gladys Weaver and Violet Mauss.
Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville. A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 1095 Church Road, Orrtanna, PA 17353. Fr. Joseph R. Howard, officiating. A visitation will be held from 11 am until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Buchanan Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 1180 Buchanan Valley Road, Orrtanna, PA 17353. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit DuganFH.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eugene E. McDannell, please visit our flower store.