Eugene E. Gerry, 92

 

CASCO — Eugene Elliot Gerry, 92, of Casco passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, at the Veterans Home in South Paris.

He was born Raymond on July 25, 1924, the son of Marjorie Plummer and Leslie Gerry. Eugene grew up in Raymond and moved to Portland with his mother. He went to Deering High School until he joined the Army on March 29, 1943, serving as a Communications Specialist during WWII in the 66th Infantry Division. Eugene was shipped to the European Theater of Operations where he was stationed from Nov. 15, 1944 to March 30, 1946. He was given an Honorable Discharge on April 13, 1946. Gene never forgot his 66th Division comrades, who died while crossing the English Channel. The Leopoldville Troopship was torpedoed while carrying the 66th Infantry Division. Gene was given the option of going on the Leopoldville Troopship or taking the next ship that carried the motorized equipment including his jeep. He chose the second ship. 762 soldiers were killed. Gene carried the burden of guilt, feeling that he should have died that day with his division on the first ship.

He married Florence Page on June 23, 1946. They were married for 70 years. Gene volunteered to teach the local Boy Scout troop Morse Code. He worked at a tannery for four years before working at Camp Joseph in Waterford, Camp Naomi in Raymond and Camp Cedar in Casco for many years.

Gene was predeceased by two brothers, Irwin and Ivan Gerry.

Surviving are his wife, Florence; his son, Gene Gerry of Florida; his daughter, Joyce Day of Casco; two brothers, Ronald Plummer of Casco and Archie Gerry of Durham; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, at the Riverside Cemetery on Plains Road in Raymond. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net