Eugene M. Antol of Toms River, formerly of Fords, NJ, and Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Complete Care at Green Acres in Toms River. He was 97 years old.

Born in Keasbey, NJ, Gene had a long and full life with many diverse interests and adventures. As a young man, he was a sports legend in Woodbridge High School and beyond, almost making it into the world of professional baseball. Decades later, his former classmate, Hardy Peterson, (who was eventually the general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates), said Gene remained the best pitcher he’d ever seen.

He was a United States Marine Corp Veteran serving during the Korean War.

Mr. Antol owned and operated Colonia Fuel Oil Company many years ago and then was an oil burner mechanic for Carrier Clinic in Belle Meade before retiring. He was then employed as a driver with Middlesex County Area Wide Transportation.

Gene coached little league baseball in Fords in the 1960s, where both of his sons played, and he was later active with his sons’ boy scout troops.

In the mid-1970s, Gene and his wife were very active in drum and bugle corps, supporting and traveling the country with The Saints, The Garfield Cadets, and The Sunrisers. Whether driving trucks, moving equipment, cooking, or sewing flags and uniforms, Gene and Grace were an integral part of their drum corps families who they loved with all their hearts.

Gene and Grace lived their retirement dream in a beautiful log home in central Pennsylvania. They were blessed to have many years there before Grace’s passing, after which Gene moved back to NJ and lived his remaining days with his daughter.

He was predeceased by his wife Grace (Pinky), and his son, Gene.

Survived by his daughter, Patty Antol, son Michael Antol, granddaughter Erin Antol, grandson, Ron Berardocco, a great-granddaughter, Amaya Rose Matias, and his great-grandsons Joey and Anthony Berardocco.

Gene asked to be remembered for his many stories, his music, his love of animals, and for his service as a U.S. Marine.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street at Barron Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ.

The Committal service with Military Honors will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 11:30 am at Cloverleaf Memorial Park, Woodbridge.

Donations may be made in his name to Tabby’s Place in Ringoes, NJ, or to any animal welfare organization.