Eugene L. DiOrio

Eugene L. DiOrio, 93, of Coatesville passed away at his home on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Gabriel and Marian E. Nethery DiOrio.

His education began St. Cecilia Grade School and continued at St. Agnes High School West Chester graduating in 1950.  He was a 1954 graduate of Villanova University School of Commerce & Finance. Upon graduation, he began a 21-1/2 year career at Lukens Steel Company in the Accounting-Financial Division.  Retiring in 1978, he began pursuing his interests in history, writing and historic preservation.

During this time, he served on the boards of several public agencies and non-profit organizations, reflecting his interest in museums, historic preservation and public services.

Eugene was the founder and chairman for many years of the Coatesville Historical Commission; and chaired the Coatesville Historic Architectural Review Board until is was discontinued.

As Vice Chairman of the Coatesville City Redevelopment Authority; he also served on the Coatesville Planning Commission and on the Coatesville Area Public Library Board.

Mr. DiOrio served for 31 years on the Chester County Parks & Recreation Board, including 11 years as chairman; on the Board of Directors of the Chester County Historical Society, and on the board of the Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Chester County.

In 1982, he was appointed to membership on the Brandywine Battlefield Park Commission by Governor Thornburg.  He was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Preservation Committee by Governor Ridge in 1995.  Additionally, he served on the board of Preservation Pennsylvania, a state-wide historic preservation organization.

Mr. DiOrio was a board member of the Primitive Hall Foundation with several years as treasurer or president.  A founder of the Graystone Society in Coatesville, in 1984, Mr. DiOrio served as chairman for 19 years from its inception.  The Graystone Society is a historic preservation and museum organization, developing the National Iron & Steel Museum in the Lukens National Historic District.

He also held memberships in the Pennsylvania Society, the Newcomen Society of the United States, and in several cultural and museum entities.

Eugene was the author of "Chester County, A traveler’s Album", a photographic and historical study of the county, a history of Lukens Steel Company, and numerous articles for local newspapers, including the Chester County Day News.

There are no immediate survivors.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 80 S. 17th Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320.  

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