Submitted by: Dan Rich

Eugene Kocent

About 1938 - May 8, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/11/2008
GRANGER - Eugene "Gene" Kocent, 70, of Granger, IN, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, enjoyed life to its fullest until passing on May 8, 2008. Gene served in the Army National Guard Reserves. He was the vice president and chief operating officer of Data Link Systems, Inc./Mellon Bank Corporation. He established a family-owned and operated business, known as Naked Furniture and later known as Colors of Wood Furniture in Mishawaka, IN. He was joined in business by his wife, Patricia "Pat," and son, David. His daughter, Linda, also worked in the family business from inception through 1991. Gene is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son, David Kocent of South Bend, IN; a daughter, Linda Klingerman; and two grandchildren, Camron and Cayla, each of Strongsville, OH; a brother, Alexander Kocent of Pittsburgh, PA; a brother-in-law, Joseph Speicher of Pittsburgh, PA; a sister-in-law, Pauline Kocent of Pittsburgh, PA; and many nieces and nephews throughout the United States.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, IN. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a vigil service will be held at 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be planned in Pittsburgh, PA. The date and time will be determined and communicated through family members.

Gene was the president, Board of Directors, Naked Furniture Franchisee Association; chairman, Board of Governors, Knollwood Country Club, 1988-2001; and was an avid participant in a variety of sports including golf, racquetball, cycling, and cross-country skiing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests the donation of memorial contributions to a scholarship fund established in honor of Jeni Bishop. Jeni Bishop was a beloved intensive care unit nurse at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. She was suddenly and tragically taken from all of those who loved her on February 2, 2008. Jeni was a very devoted mother, daughter, sister, wife and nurse, but most of all a great friend to many. She will be missed by all of those who knew and loved her and are left to treasure her memory. Contributions to First Source Bank, c/o "Bishop Children's Education Fund," will directly benefit the three children of the Bishop family. Contributions to these funds may be made at any First Bank location or by mail to P.O. Box 1602, South Bend, IN 46634. Alternatively, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, 315 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46802.