Ehor (Eugene) Eschenko, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, at his home in Watertown, CT. Gene was born on July 17, 1926 to Andrew and Mollie Eschenko. He grew up in Waterbury, CT and graduated from Wilby High School. Gene became part of the Jacovich family when he moved in at a young age. If you saw a rusty, red Toyota pick-up truck or a turquoise Cadillac "boat" in Waterbury or Watertown over the last 80 years, chances are Gene was behind the wheel. He drove countless miles taking the Jacovich and Christolini families to school, sports and back, always making it back home in time for his 2:00pm big meal of the day. He was akin to "Mr. Belvedere" not only to both families but to their neighborhood as well. Gene was whip-smart, generous and quick-witted. He loved remembering things. He treasured digging out old pictures always dated in chicken scratch handwriting on the back. It seemed hed unearth a forgotten memory every day polaroids of his own first music recital, Carmela and Stanleys wedding pictures or shots of Richard playing baseball. Gene spent a majority of his career at Sikorsky as a tool maker, where he swore, he never missed a single day in over 20 years. He told each story time and time again, grinning ear to ear at all this evidence of a full life. He insisted that everyone should have real things to print out photos and to "write everything down." The best advice for the children he fed, chauffeured, and changed diapers for, to take to heart. Gene is survived by Richard Jacovich, Richards children, Jared Jacovich, Ryan Jacovich and his wife Kristi Jacovich and Britt Jacovich; Richards fianc, Kathy Epperson, and her daughter, Samantha Epperson. Also left to fondly remember Gene are Angela Menzies; Joseph Christolini and his wife Jessica Christolini; Thomas Christolini and his wife Samantha Christolini; Harry Wilson, his wife Amanda Wilson and their son Owen; and Joan and Janice, the nieces of Genes best friend, the late Robert (Bob) Kucheravy. There is no doubt that Gene is watching over all of us with his lifelong buddies, Stash and Bob, making sure the whole family is getting their homework done on time and keeping his pictures safe. They are ours now to hold on to. Calling hours will be held on Monday, November 20, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High Street, Thomason, CT. Burial is private. Services Visitation Monday November 20, 2023 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787