Eugene Gene W. Handy Sr.
Eugene Gene W. Handy Sr. 75, of a long time resident of Gilsum died early on Saturday morning, March 5, 2016 in the comfort of his home. He passed peacefully with the love of his family near after a period of declining health.
Eugene was born the son of the late Leila (Maguire) and Lyle Handy on April 13, 1940 in Keene. He was educated locally and attended schools in Gilsum.
Gene was a patriotic soul. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 4, 1959 and served during the Vietnam War until August 27, 1964. He was trained as a Paratrooper and was the recipient of the Paratrooper Badge, Expert Rifle and Pistol Awards. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Private First Class E-3.
On November 11, 1962 he exchanged vows with Joyce M. Tromblay at the Sturtevant Church in Keene. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for fifty three years.
Gene was a heavy equipment operator for Lane Construction Company. He worked for the company for forty seven years before retiring in 2013 to enjoy life with family.
He was a man who liked to work with his hands. Time was spent wood working and being in the garden. He loved to remodel and improve the character of their colonial home. Time was also spent at the lake house many times with family. He was always up for a trip to Foxwoods or going on trips with the bowling travel league.
Mr. Handy is survived by his wife, Joyce M. Handy of Gilsum. His children; Leanne M. Scott and her husband Michael of Surry, Donna K. Southwell of Boston, MA. Eugene W. Handy Jr. and his wife Brandylyn of Fitzwilliam. His siblings; Lyle Handy and his wife Judy of Marlow, Phillip Handy and his wife Terri of Swanzey, Joseph Handy and his wife Cheryl of Charlestown, Barbara Handy of Keene, Four grandchildren; Zachary Southwell, Vanessa Nguyen, Emma Handy and Esabelle Handy. In addition he leaves a great grandchild, Hadley Nguyen, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Gene is predeceased by his siblings; Daniel Bruce Handy and Dianna Handy passed earlier.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in the funeral chapel. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 10am. in the Gilsum Congregational Church, 13 Main St. Gilsum, NH. 03448. Burial will take place in the spring at the family lot with military honors at Gilsum Centennial Cemetery, Centennial Rd. Gilsum, NH. 03448. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Eugene W. Handy to: Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431.
