Gismonde A. "Gene" Silvestrone, 90, of Billerica, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida, formerly of Bedford, died in Naples after a brief illness on February 13, 2016.

He was born on December 2, 1925, in Cugnoli, Italy and was the son of the late Dominic and Maria (DeMarco) Silvestrone.

He was drafted during World War II and served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946. He began his tour of duty in England and then went to France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. After the war ended he stayed in Europe for a year where he was a guard for German prisoners. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.

On September 2, 1951 he married Catherine A. D'Amore in Everett.
After the war Mr. Silvestrone began training as a hairdresser and operated Mr. Gene Hairstylist in Bedford for over 40 years, building lifelong friendships with his devoted clientele.

In retirement he lived in Dennis, Mass. and Naples, Florida during the winter months.

He is predeceased by his wife, Catherine (D'Amore) Silvestrone, his son, Carl Silvestrone and his sister, Maria Conley.

He is survived by his children, Donna and Joel Gandolfi of Marion, Jean and Marsby Warters of Fairhaven, Paula Hull of Longmont, Colorado, Molly and Steven Schaeffer of Duxbury and Daniel and Marion Silvestrone of Bedford, his brothers, John and Gabriel Silvestrone of Watertown, his daughter-in law, Cathy Silvestrone of Bedford, ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Gene and Kaye's greatest assets were their family, providing guidance and support to nurture and grow, much like the tiny Mustard Seed.

His funeral will be held from the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 8:00 A.M. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 9:00 A.M. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Feb. 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bright View Concord River, 199 Concord Road, Billerica, MA.