Gentile

Carolyn Gentile, formerly of Saxonburg, passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. She was 78 years old. Everyone who knew Carolyn would agree that she threw amazing theme parties, was never without a witty joke and could tell a captivating story. Here is our humble attempt at telling hers:

Born in Tarentum, Pa., in 1945, Carolyn was the only child of Ralph Athey, an amateur photographer and professional magician, and his wife Beatrice, a gifted seamstress and homemaker. She graduated from Tarentum High where she was head majorette and Snowball Queen. She later got a bachelor's degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in music and education.

While in college, she met the love of her life, Alfred “Fred” Gentile, on a blind date at the Phi Psi house, Washington & Jefferson College, where, as legend has it, Fred far from impressed his future wife. After much groveling and a year of better dates, Carolyn agreed to marry Fred in 1966. While Fred was deployed in Vietnam, she worked for her in-laws, Dominic and Jean Gentile, at the Hotel Saxonburg, which she and Fred would go on to run from 1975 until his death in 2006.

Carolyn and Fred raised two daughters, Amy and Cara, in whom they instilled a strong work ethic, a love of sports and the outdoors, and the ability to laugh at themselves in the face of adversity.

A 47-year resident of Saxonburg, Carolyn was involved in civic and community endeavors, including launching the inaugural Saxonburg Festival of the Arts in 1986, making costumes for Knoch High productions, officiating local swim meets and volunteering for just about anything. She loved making crafts, pulling pranks, watching Carol Burnett and drinking Beefeater on the rocks. She was a talented pianist, a cunning bridge player and the master of a virtually unreturnable tennis lob. Unabashed in her opinions, she loved a good debate — be it politics or the playoff potential of the Steelers — and you always knew where you stood with her. If you were lucky enough to call her a friend, she stood by you with fierce loyalty.

Carolyn leaves behind her daughters, Amy and Cara; a son-in-law, Scott Howell (Cara); a grandson whom she loved with all her heart, Braden Stemley; two nieces and a nephew; extended family; and lifelong friends.

Carolyn will be buried with her beloved husband and best friend, 1st Lt. Alfred Gentile, at Arlington National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Please share a laugh with those you love — and raise a glass to Carolyn and her Fred.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.