Retired Army Reserve Maj. Eugene P. McCloskey, 51, of Butler died Wednesday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born May 25, 1954, in Butler, he was a son of Verna Mae Fitzpatrick and the late Eugene M. McCloskey.

He was a 1972 graduate of Butler High School and had worked in the erection department at Pullman Standard until it closed. He then worked at AK Steel for 19 years and retired in 2003.

Maj. McCloskey, who served his country for a total of 20 years, served in the Marines Corps from 1972 to 1978. He then earned his commission and served in both the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves and formerly commanded the 300th Transportation Co. in Butler and the 332nd. Engineering Co. in Kittanning. He retired as the S3 training officer for the 310th TAA COM in Butler and was life member of the Reserve Officers Association.

He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was Roman Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 866 in Butler.

Surviving are a daughter: Jennifer A. McCloskey of Slippery Rock; a son, Patrick E. McCloskey of Butler; his mother of Butler; two sisters, Dr. Sheila A. McCloskey and Mrs. Mark (Kathleen) Smith, both of Butler; and two brothers, Jeffrey B. McCloskey of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, and James V. McCloskey of Butler. Also surviving are a niece, several nephews and an uncle.

McCLOSKEY - Visitation was private. A Mass of Christian burial for Maj. Eugene P. McCloskey, retired, who died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005, was celebrated today at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. Burial with military honors was at Butler County Memorial Park, Butler Township.Memorial donations may be made to Butler Public Library or to the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center.Arrangements were handled by GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME.Please visit the funeral home Web site at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.