In Loving Memory of Eugene DiLoreto

Oct. 23, 1925 - Sept. 8, 2022

It is with deep sadness that PLSO announces the passing of it's co-founder Gene DiLoreto, who peacefully passed away on September 8th at the age of 96 with his family at his side.

Gene was born in Bandon, Ore., to Angelo and Mary DiLoreto. He had one sister, Rose Angela. In 1930 the family moved to southeast Portland where Gene resided for the rest of his life. Gene attended Creston Grade School and graduated in 1943 from Franklin High School. Following high school, Gene enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS Monterey, an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. He served on the same ship as former President Gerald Ford, although their paths never crossed.

Following the end of WWII, Gene returned to Oregon and enrolled at Willamette University working towards a degree in mathematics. It was at Willamette, at the Catholic Newman Center, that Gene met Florence Polster. He was enchanted by her strength of character and dedication to her family and faith; she fell in love with his charming wit, kind eyes, and how he could make her laugh. They wed April 15, 1950. Gene would joke over the years that he must have tricked Florence into marrying him–and when you look at their wedding photo, he indeed looks like the cat that ate the canary! They raised five boys together in southeast Portland: Greg, Chris, Vince, Dale, and Mark. In 2022, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

In 1949, Gene began work for the Multnomah County Road Department, where he would work for the next 34 years. Initially hired as an inspector, Gene progressed in his career to surveyor and in 1961, a civil engineer, where his first project was the design of Marine Drive. 

It was in 1959 that Gene, together with Claire Pense and Harlan Scott, formed the Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon, before becoming incorporated in in 1960. He rarely missed an Annual Convention, was easy going and happy to take a moment to chat with younger generations about surveying. Read more about the inception of PLSO here. (Pic below starting from the left: Eugene, Bert Mason, Claire Pense)

During Gene's working career he also founded a small surveying firm, which designed many of the subdivisions in the Damascus, Ore. area. He also provided surveying jobs for all his sons, such that three of them obtained civil engineering degrees from Oregon State and the creative two obtained architecture degrees from the University of Oregon. He was a mentor and role model to all his children and grandchildren.

During retirement, Gene and Florence traveled extensively, with a driving trip around the United States, a trip to Canada, another trip to Italy to see the old homestead and family. They also visited every county fair in Oregon. Never one to miss a family wedding or celebration, he and Florence traveled all over the country, and notably made the long journey to Montreal to see their oldest son Greg installed as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Just before his passing Gene visited the Navy boot camp in Idaho with his son Vince and his wife, where he trained before being assigned to the USS Monterey aircraft carrier.

Gene was extremely active in his church, St. Anthony's Catholic Church of Portland. He served on numerous parish committees and on the original steering committee together for the St. Anthony's Village, an assisted living facility. Gene could always be seen greeting people as they entered church, taking up the collection, as a reader during Mass, a Eucharistic Minister, and handing out bulletins at the end of Mass. He enjoyed the fellowship of his church particularly the weekly coffee klatch with men in the parish.

Generous of spirit and of heart, Gene was the proudest of his family. At every large family gathering he seemed to radiate joy, just seeing his brood boisterously laugh and enjoy each other's company. His dedication to his family was unparalleled and Gene reveled in being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an uncommonly kind man who was quick to laugh and even quicker to help anyone in need. His deep wisdom, charming wit, and gentle leadership will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his wife, Florence; his five sons and their wives; his 14 grandchildren; and his six great-grandchildren.

A rosary will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, at the Mount Scott Funeral Home, 4205 S.E. 59th Ave., Portland. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 22nd at St. Anthony's Parish.

The family suggests donations in his memory be made to St. Anthony's of Padua Catholic Parish, 3720 S.E. 79th Ave., Portland, OR 97206, or Catholic Charities.

Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits