Eugene Francis Erbin II

“Show up five minutes early; stay until the job is done.”

That mantra carried Eugene Francis Erbin II from a humble upstate New York upbringing to a life of achievement, leadership, family devotion, and quiet service.
Eugene Francis Erbin II, a resident of Salt Lake City since 1969, died of natural causes in late January 2026, at age 95.

Gene was born on September 12, 1930, in Rochester, New York, to Eugene and Florence Erbin. An only child, he was educated in Rochester and graduated from the all boys Aquinas High School in 1948. He met Joan Helen Reichart, his high‑school sweetheart and lifelong partner, who attended Mercy High School. Gene and Joan knew each other for more than 80 years and were married for 73.

In 1948, Gene left Rochester for Boston, to attend college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His parents sent him one dollar a week—enough, at twenty‑five cents a cone, to occasionally buy ice cream for his fraternity brothers. At MIT, Gene earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Metallurgy, graduating in 1953 with expertise in magnesium and titanium.

Gene and Joan were married in September 1953, shortly before Gene was called up in the United States Air Force. Serving as a First Lieutenant, he was stationed at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where their first two children, Gene and Tom, were born. Upon reporting for duty, Gene was initially told he would be assigned to Greenland because his “meteorology” degree would be most valuable there. Gene patiently explained the difference between meteorology and metallurgy, and—after the base commander personally intervened—was assigned to the aeronautics laboratory. There, Gene actively contributed to the development of advanced American aircraft, including work associated with the Lockheed U‑2 reconnaissance program.

After the Air Force, Gene began a long and successful career in the metals industry. He and Joan settled in Chatham, New Jersey, where they raised their growing family. Each day, Gene rode the train to New York City, working for National Lead Industries, where he led the Titanium Pigment and Application Division before becoming General Manager of the Magnesium Division.

In 1969, Gene accepted an assignment to oversee construction and operation of a $70‑million solar pond project designed to extract magnesium from the Great Salt Lake. That summer, he uprooted his now‑large family and moved them to Salt Lake City, a place they would call home forever. Gene and Joan purchased a home on Kaywood Circle, which remains the family homestead.

Several years later, Gene was informed he would be transferred back to the East Coast. This time, instead of uprooting his family, Gene uprooted his career. He became President and CEO of Olympia Sales, where for 25 years he led hundreds of craftspeople in the design and manufacture of high end cabinetry. Olympia remains a thriving company today under the leadership of Gene’s successor, Mr. Tim Fredrickson—a testament to Gene’s integrity and leadership.

Among his many contributions to the Salt Lake community, Gene was especially proud of the time and effort he devoted to strengthening the reputation and financial stability of Judge Memorial High School, from which his children graduated. Gene and Joan raised six children: Eugene, Thomas, Lisa, Joseph, Jacquelyn, and Joan. Their daughters Jacquelyn and Joan predeceased him. Gene is survived by his beloved wife Joan, four children, and ten grandchildren, whom he loved fiercely.

Education was Gene’s highest priority. All six of his children attended college—many earning advanced degrees—and none incurred meaningful educational debt. In later years, Gene and Joan extended that commitment by contributing generously to the education of their grandchildren. As those ten grandchildren will readily attest, Gene emphasized three things above all else: Education. Education. Education.

Despite professional demands, Gene always showed up. His children still marvel at how he ran complex organizations while quietly appearing at swim meets, coaching Little League teams, and supporting multiple Catholic school fundraisers. Gene loved competition and the outdoors. In the 1960s, he taught his children to both water and snow ski, hauling a family of eight to the slopes of Park City, where determination often counted more than coordination. He skied well into his seventies, was a competitive tennis player for much of his life, and in New Jersey earned the nickname “Errorless Erbin” playing second base on a softball team.

In retirement, Gene and Joan traveled extensively, usually to visit their far‑flung children and grandchildren. Around the turn of the century, Gene rebuilt the family cottage on Conesus Lake, south of Rochester—originally purchased in 1960—so future generations could continue to enjoy idyllic summers there. The cottage remains in the family today.

Gene was a product of his times: the father of six children and sole breadwinner for his family by age 34. He played by the rules as he understood them and honored his commitments fully. He loved Joan, his children and their partners, and his grandchildren—and they loved him in return. While we miss him terribly, we say with love and gratitude: “Dad, you always showed up early—and you always stayed until the job was done.”

Burial was private, as Gene would have wanted. The family has extreme appreciation for Dr. Frederick Gottlieb and Good Shepherd Hospice – as well as the loyal friends who spent time with our father right up to the end.

A celebratory memorial will be held at a future date.