Eugene Howard Burnett Jr

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I also put within you. Ezekiel 36:26

    At the Dawn of the morning of April 12, 2022, Eugene Howard Burnett (Affectionately know as Gene); new heart, beat its last beat; as his spirit departed this earthly life while at the hospital of university of Pennsylvania. The same hospital where Gene was blessed to receive a heart transplant on May 1, 2017. Gene and his family knew the blessing of a new heart was a gift from god. Therefore, When asked, the family did not think twice, allowing Gene to be a donor; so others might live through him.

    Gene was born August 9, 19554, to the late Eugene  Howard Burnettt Sr. and Mary King Burnett.

    During his primary years and throughout his life, Gene and his siblings were inseparable. The Family nurtured their strong since of community by spending time participating in Local programs at the Salvation Army, YMCA (Lehigh Avenue) and the former Holy Cross Lutheran Church   . The Burnett Family has served as promanate members of the Hartfranft/North Philadelphia Community including 12th & 9th Street for many years.

    Gene was educated in the Philadelphia Public school system, attending Clymer elementary and John Wanamaker Jr High. Gene majored in Visual Arts and graduated from Jules Mast baum High School in 1972. After graduating, Gene attended a (HBCU), Texas Southern University in Houston Texas for about two years. In 1974 Gene enlisted in the United States Army, as a radio operator. After attending Ranger School and Jump School, Gene graduated and became a 82nd Airborne Ranger (Paratrooper). Gene's Military Career ended in 1980 and he ;later earned a bachelor degree in criminal Justice from Saint Joe's University in Philadelphia, PA.

    after his military service, Gene returned to Philadelphia working as a phantom rider for SEPTA. His Diligence and work ethic allowed him to become a SEPTA transit police officer, the first to graduate class of officers. While working as a SEPTA police officer Gene unrelentingly worked with proficiency and diligence. After 32 years of service, Gene retired as a Transit Police Corporal.

    In his younger years, Gene was quiet and reserved. But later in life, as Gene continued to cultivate his love for sports, travel and reading. You could see Gene's love for people reflected how he genuinely interacted with those he encountered and he soon after would command the room with his comedic genius.

    To say Gene loved to travel would be an understatement. Gene traveled the world, Germany, Italy, France. A historian and well-versed in many subjects. Gene loved Disney and Museums visiting in the States and abroad. He also looked forward to his annual trips to the football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio and The Baypou Classic in New "Orleans could answer most questions on Jeopardy. Gene worked as a Contributor to the legacy and monument that serves as a tribute to the Negro Baseball League team "Philadelphia Stars". The memorial at 44th & Parkside in Philadelphia, PA.

    Gene's leaves to Cherish his love and heartfelt memories : his sister: Cynthia Bedeau, Dominique (Debbie) Burnet-Pettiford and Marsha Burnett. Processed in death (Brother) Stephen Burnettt (Niece) Elsonjia Farrell. Nieces and Nephews wo he adored, his goddaughter Stephanie Lloyd. Dearly beloved friends Idella Williams and Kimberly Hall. and a host of cousins.