RUMFORD – Eugene P. “Gene” St. Cyr, 89, formerly of Mexico, died Friday, Oct. 13, at Rumford Community Home following a brief illness.

He was born in Berlin, N.H., on June 21, 1917, a son of Napoleon and Adelade (Bergeron) St. Cyr. He was educated in Berlin, N.H., schools.

He chose to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Philippines and Hawaii, attaining the rank of 1st Sgt. with a battalion of 350 men under him. While still serving in the army, he married his high school sweetheart, Millie Casey, and together they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Gene was self-employed as a service station owner, and with the help of his son, Danny, was one of the first to sell snow machines and Allagash Truck Caps in New England.

He enjoyed snowmobiling, his camp in Errol, N.H., and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially watching his grandson, Darren, play hockey, and also enjoyed eating “Pammy’s Donuts.”

He is survived by his son, Daniel P. St. Cyr and wife, Janice, of Mexico; two sisters, Yvette Thibodeau of California, and Lena Ross of Berlin, N.H.; two grandchildren, Desiree St. Cyr and Darren St. Cyr; and his longtime friend and companion, Florence Hastings, and her family, who referred to him as “Papa Gino.”

He was predeceased by his wife, Mildred (Casey) St. Cyr; his parents; a granddaughter, Danielle “Angel” St. Cyr; brothers, JP St. Cyr, Rene and Joseph St. Cyr; and a sister, Doris Corneau.