Eugene “Gene” Coval, 95, of Cementon, died March 28, 2026. He was the husband of Janice (Crissman) Coval for 67 years.

Born in Hokendauqua, he was a son of the late Stephen and Mary (Lukachovsky) Coval.

He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1948 and went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Kutztown University, with postgraduate studies at Lehigh University.

A veteran of the Korean War, he trained with the 8th Infantry, attained the rank of corporal and went on to become a member of the U.S. Army Band.

He was known across the Lehigh Valley as a beloved lifelong educator and gifted musician. For 40 years, he taught in Whitehall-Coplay School District. A talented saxophonist and clarinetist, he performed in many of the area’s dance bands and recorded two albums with The Ambassadors. Through his work at Walter’s Music Studio, he influenced countless young musicians.

He was a member and lector at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

He was also a longtime member of Hokendauqua Jones-Quigg American Legion Post 739.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Scott with Kaye of Orefield and Amy Coval Wurth with Mark of Boca Raton, Fla.; and five grandchildren, Ella Wurth Schneider with John of Chicago, Ill., Sam Wurth of Huntington Beach, Calif., Keeley of New York, N.Y., Mia of Philadelphia and Nick of Orefield.

He was predeceased by a son, Tim; and a brother, Daniel.

There will be a calling time 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service noon, April 18 at the church, 4456 Main St., Whitehall.

Contributions may be made to Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, 18052 or at whitehallcoplayhungerinitiative.org.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.