*Eugene DiRe, WG’52

Eugene DiRe, WG’52

A lifelong Philadelphian, Gene was born on November 21, 1927. His family moved from South Philadelphia to Germantown while he was a boy. His graduation from LaSalle High School and Villanova University were manifestations of his deep, life-long Catholic faith.

Gene made good use of his Wharton Graduate knowledge as a highly successful real estate and health insurance broker, and developer specializing in historic building. He played an important role in many major commercial development in Philadelphia. He was a leading  producer for UGA, one of the nation’s leading full range consumer and business financing company.

Gene married the love of his life, the wonderful Nancy, and they have a daughter Gabriella who followed the DiRe’s Catholic education tradition, graduating from Rosemont. Because of his interest in restoration of Philadelphia’s historic district, Gene and Nancy restored the home they lived in.

As a founding member of the Wharton Graduate Emeritus Society, Gene led the Leadership committee in reaching out to many Wharton and Penn clubs, particularly the Philadelphia and New York clubs. Always wishing to get Wharton Graduates together, Gene organized countess brunches and dinners. He cared.

Gene passed away on March 19, 2021. He will be missed.