Retired MSgt USAF, Gene Anthony Traficante, best known as Papa, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the age of 66, in the comfort of his home in West Virginia, surrounded by his beloved wife, sons and family. He was born to Gene and Dolores Traficante on December 26, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Gene was raised in Palisades Park, NJ, with siblings Charles and Lori. Gene was known for making us laugh with his sense of humor, even during the most tragic of times. In 1976, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent 20 years honorably serving his country. During his military career, nicknamed Geno, Gene was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and then stateside to Travis AFB, California, Andrews AFB, Maryland, and McGuire AFB New Jersey. He began his career as a Jet Engine Tech and later fulfilled his dream of becoming a Flight Engineer on the C-5, C-135 and KC-10, earning many awards, certificates of merit, letters of appreciation and medals. He was part of several support missions, overseas conflicts, including Operation Desert Shield /Storm and Southern Watch. A highlight Gene considered an honor, was the opportunity to fly support missions for vice presidential and dignitaries aboard the C-135 while stationed at Andrews AFB. While serving his military career, Gene also earned his FAA Private Pilot License. He particularly liked a quote by Leonardo da Vinci, "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." In 1989, Gene married Janice Perry. Together, they had twin boys, Christopher and Michael, and were married 35 years until his passing. Gene welcomed his stepchildren, Steven and Joseph Hidalgo as his own. Janice gained a stepson Gene Traficante, and eventually a grandson, the fourth generation Gene. Having five boys, their sons’ spouses and grandchildren came along to fill their life with more love, joy, traveling and stories. After his military retirement in 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics, other career highlights included 747 Flight Engineer with Atlas Air Cargo from 1996 to 2011, and an aircraft tech on Chinook Helicopters for Boeing Company from 2012 – 2015. He fulfilled his enjoyment for reading and books by working part time at the Public Library in Voorhees, NJ. Additionally he drove part time at a local car dealership in WV, delivering cars to customers as far away as New York and Ohio. Gene enjoyed the adventures of traveling with his wife, going on cruises, touring historic landmarks, exploring train yards, visiting car and aircraft museums. In addition to flying, he had many interests: collecting plane models, building train layouts, having a strong interest in WWll history, entered car shows, collecting diecast cars, played board games with his grandchildren and most importantly spending time with family. He would sit in his rocker on his cabin porch enjoying the peaceful mountains of West Virginia. He was a cherished son to his parents, loving husband, father, brother, son in law and friend- a joyous blessing in our lives. He was a spiritual man, forgiving, always offering help without expecting anything in return. His love, kindness, and cheerful smile touched many lives. In Loving Memory, Gene will forever be in our hearts. Gene is survived by his beloved wife Janice Darlene (Perry) Traficante, his sons, their spouses, his grandchildren, Christopher (Ana) Traficante, Gene (Lily) Traficante, Gene, Joseph (Sherri) Hidalgo, Audrey and Miranda, Steven Hidalgo, Leyla, Madelyn and Valerie, his brother and best friend Charles Traficante, as well as a host of loving, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Michael Patrick Traficante, his parents Gene A. and Dolores J. Traficante, his sister Lori Ann, his in-laws Robert G. and Phyllis M. Perry and loyal companions, Shelby, Gus and Tabby. Funeral Service and time for sharing of Gene’s life is scheduled for Friday November 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Tilghman Funeral Home located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533. Let us remember the great memories we share with Gene and celebrate his life always. Interment services with US Air Force Honors will follow at 12:30 located at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd. Wrightstown, NJ 08562. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org