Gene Dini, 80, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2022, surrounded by his family at Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, Georgia, after a period of declining health. He was born December 7, 1941, in Rochester, New York to Angelo F. Dini and Margaret White Dini.

Gene was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a wonderful grandpa. He was greatly loved by his family and relatives. He will be very much missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Dini graduated from Spencer Port High School in New York, where he wrestled for 4 years and was a state champion during his junior and senior years.

He received a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Leheigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1963. He wrestled during his four years at Leheigh and also joined the Sigma Nu fraternity. He went on to earn a masters of public health administration in the department of political science at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas in 1980.

In 1964, Mr. Dini joined US Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control (CDC), where he held many positions of responsibility over his 34-year career. His positions included Adviser in Venereal Disease Control for the state of New Jersey, State representative for the Department of Public Health in immunizations in Boston, Massachusetts, State Coordinator of Immunization Activities for the state of Rhode Island, Chief of Immunization Section in Kansas, Director of Arkansas Immunization Program, and Chief Technical Consultant for the National Immunization Program based in Georgia.

During Mr. Dini's 34 years of public service with the CDC, he won many awards and honors. Of note, The Ross Maternal and Child Health Award in 1984. He also had an impressive 26 published works, and 16 peer-reviewed publications. He developed and managed the AFIX Consulting Services after his retirement from the CDC.

When he was not working, he enjoyed other activities such as The Jaycees, The Men's Club at St. John Vianney Church, The Y Indian Guides with his son Jim, coaching little league baseball, and kids' wrestling program. Later, he was also involved with fishing, gardening, and learning about ecology, outer space, and the universe.

Gene had many endearing qualities and a zest for life that will be missed by all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Charlotte (Cheri) Flanagan Dini; daughter, Lisa Marie Dini Yoder; sons, James Angelo Dini and Christopher Eugene (Maggie) Dini; three granddaughters, Brittany Yoder (Jeff) Janes, Sade Alalade, and Abigail Rose Dini; grandson, Christopher G Dini; and great grandson, Kade Janes. He is also survived by brother, Tom (Rena) Dini of Rochester, New York; sisters, Margaret Dini (Mike) Powers of Mesa, Arizona, and Kristine Dini (Dan) Plumadore of St. Pauls, North Carolina; two nieces, three nephews, and several cousins and their families.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.LakesideFuneralHomeGa.com .

Lakeside Funeral Home, 121 Claremore Drive, Woodstock, Ga 30188, Phone: 770-293-2757, is honored to assist The Dini Family.