Gene Pugliese #345, left this earth way too soon on Friday, Nov. 29, 1996 in Parker, Arizona, in a tragic boating accident. He was doing one of the many things he did best, seated behind the wheel of his race boat, with his eye on the prize.He was born March 25, 1961 in Price, Utah to Frank and Betty Tamietti Pugliese, their fourth and youngest child. He grew up in Helper, Utah, attending Sally Mauro and Helper Jr. High. He graduated from Carbon High School in 1979. He began a career in his father's business doing marine mechanics and repair. In 1981, Gene and his brother, Frank, together began a belt vulcanizing business. With just the two of them working side by side, and with a lot of sweat and hard work, it became and will remain just one more successful legacy of Gene's talents. He wed his Junior High School sweetheart and eternal friend, La Rae Forsythe on June 1, 1985 in Helper, Utah. They renewed their wedding vows on June 1, 1995 at St. Anthony's Church in Helper. Although it was not nearly long enough, they were soulmates, friends, captain and crew, and inseparable for more than 20 years. They were blessed with two beautiful sons, Michael Vincent (Vinny) on December 8, 1988 and Cody Gene on July 21, 1992. He was the ultimate devoted father and "best buddy" to his boys, and will be sorely missed by them.