Salem: Eugene H. Morency, age 87 a former resident of Salem and Ipswich, died Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the Hunt Nursing & Retirement Home in Danvers surrounded by his family.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Leo J. and Dorilla (Genderon) Morency. Gene enjoyed his childhood summers with his brother and sister at the family summer compound in Ipswich. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and served with the Army Air Force in the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign. Following his discharge, Gene returned to Salem and worked in his father’s roofing business. Most of his working career was as a draftsman and machinist for the Atwood & Morrill Co. of Salem from which he retired.
A man of many talents, Gene was active on many levels of veteran’s affairs and charitable children’s organizations. He was a clever woodworker who ran workshops, and did toys for children as well as playing Santa himself. He was a licensed small engine commercial pilot and was a partner in the ownership of a small aircraft. Gene also loved boating and was a member of the Palmer Cove Yacht Club and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was, at one time, a drummer for the Lucien Audet Band and played at many local clubs and on the radio on Sunday afternoons. Gene was a member of the Riverside Squares of Danvers, a square dancing group as well as the Salem Council on Aging. His most recent passion was as a volunteer sound and / or camera man for Salem Access Television. In his spare time, he did landscape painting, was a ham operator and even found time to vacation with family and friends in Florida. Dad, Gene, Grampy or Gurp will be greatly missed.
He is survived by 2 daughters, Phyllis Smith and her husband Adam of Ipswich and Judy Gaudet-Ortiz and her husband Pablo Ortiz of Salem, 1 sister, Evelyn T. LeBlanc of Salem and a brother, Robert P. Morency of Salem. His is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, John Paul Morency and his former wife Elizabeth (Richardson) Morency.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass in Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 11 a.m., to be followed by a committal service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. There will be no visiting hours. Funeral arrangements are by the Levesque Funeral Home of Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Access Television, 285 Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com