Eugenio Laca, age 79, was with his family when he passed away on January 15, 2021. He was a Bayonne resident from 1981 until his passing. He was a gregarious person who was always comfortable in the spotlight and had a joke or funny comment for every situation.

Eugenio was born in Mendexa, Basque Country, and was the oldest of 5 children to Felipe and Justa Laka. He attended school and worked on the family farm while growing up. He loved playing soccer (among other sports) and watching his beloved Athletic Bilbao.

Eugenio moved to Idaho in 1968, where he stayed until 1972. He then returned to the Basque Country where he married Ana Maria Elorriaga in 1973. They later immigrated to Newark, New Jersey, and had their only son, Kepa, in 1975. After moving to the US, Eugenio taught himself English by reading newspapers and watching sports. He also became very fluent at cursing the New York Mets and Jets.

He worked in construction for over two decades and was very active in his church, Our Lady of Assumption. After retiring from construction, he became the maintenance worker at Assumption for several years.

Eugenio is survived by Ana, Kepa, daughter-in-law Celina, his dog Izar, his four sisters, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

https://giving.mskcc.org/