Gene Passarella

Scranton WWII veteran known for his musical arrangements dies, a new name for the RailRiders and Pa. sues TikTok. It's Wednesday, Aug. 12. Let's get Up to Date.

Gene Passarella came home from World War II and entertained Northeast Pennsylvania with his music for nearly 70 years. The founder of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra died Saturday, days shy of his 101st birthday.

Gene Passarella, longtime leader of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra, is due to hit the century mark on Tuesday. Over 100 relatives and friends came to Nay Aug Park on Sunday for a birthday concert in his honor.

At 18, Gene Passarella headed to war. At 99, the Purple Heart recipient heads to downtown Scranton, ready for the next performance of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra.