Eugene James Corona

   Eugene James Corona, 84, of Hertford, NC, died Friday, September 22, 2017 in his home.

   Mr. Corona was born in Bradley, OH on November 7, 1932, and was the son of the late Anthony Corona and Pearl Carter Corona Knight. Retired from the US Navy, he was a veteran of the Korean War, and was especially proud of his involvement in "Operation Passage to Freedom" from August 27 until November 12, 1954, while serving aboard the USS LST 516. Following his military career, he later worked and retired as a manager from Amoco Truck Stop in Salem, OH. An active member of New Hope United Methodist Church, other memberships enjoyed included the Unionport Masonic Lodge #0333, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the William Paul Stallings Post #126 of the American Legion. Among his many hobbies, he found great pleasure in woodworking, fishing, and cooking for family and friends.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Dorian Patton.

   Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Rebecca Combs Corona; three daughters, April Holt (William) of Mingo Junction, OH, Cheryl Tindor (Drew) of Richmond, OH, and Michelle Corona (Louie Currington), also of Mingo Junction; two sons, Eugene J. Corona, Jr. (Barbara) of Toronto, OH and David Corona (Pamela) of Bloomingdale, OH; a step-daughter, Jessica Lee Gongaware of Salem, OH; a step-son, Aaron Gongaware (Michelle), also of Salem; two sisters, Lean Bell of Richmond and his twin sister, Jean Lulla of Bloomingdale; 14 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in New Hope United Methodist Church, and will be officiated by The Rev. Glenn McCranie. Burial will be in Northern Cemetery in Smithfield, OH later in the week. Friends may join the family Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford.

   Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 2098 New Hope Road, Hertford, NC 27944, and designated for use in the Food Bank Ministry.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.