AUBURN — Eugene “Gene” Roland Roy, 79, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Dec. 30 at Clover Manor, following a long affliction with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born in New Auburn on Sept. 27, 1931, the firstborn son of the late Ovila and Annette (Marcotte) Roy. Raised on their farm in South Lewiston, his education began in the former one-room schoolhouse on Crowley Road. He then attended Jordan Grammar School and graduated from Lewiston High School in the class of 1949.

He was an avid guitar player and music lover and especially admired Eddie Arnold’s singing style. As a young man, he tried to emulate him and was part of a musical group, “Gene King and the Western Troubadours,” that performed at local dances and on WCOU’s radio station. Later in life, while he was living in two separate living facilities, he loved to entertain the other residents with his singing and yodeling as long as his Alzheimer’s allowed him.

In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served most of his four-year stint as a gunner’s mate aboard the cruisers USS Salem and USS Des Moines, in the Mediterranean Sea arena and its many European ports.

In 1953, he married Madeleine C. Pare and together they had and raised nine children. During his adult life he was employed as a meat cutter at Georges Roy’s market; at Citgo on the Maine Turnpike; Standard Electric in Portland; Diamond Machine; Demers Plate Glass; Modern Glass; Task Force on Human Needs; Continental Corporation; Kaiser Homes in Oxford and later was self-employed before Alzheimer’s lead to his early retirement.

A former communicant of Holy Cross parish for some 47 years, he served as president of the Sacred Heart League for several terms; was a member of the church choir; the Cursillo movement; and served on Ste. Croix Credit Union’s supervisory board for many terms.

In 1984, he married Lisa Hutchinson and together they had two children.

Survivors include two daughters, Marie C. Roy of Falmouth and Leah and husband Nicholas Hersom of Lewiston; eight sons, Michael L. of White River, Vt., Daniel P. of Lewiston, Francis R. and wife Darlene, of Poland, Dominic J. and wife, Juanita of Oxford, Timothy J. and companion, Laurie Goodwin of Lewiston, Gregory T. and wife, Marsha of Wayne, John P. and wife, Sarah of Portland, Ore. and Stephen of Farmington; three stepchildren, Jeremy, Jake and Amy Delano; grandchildren, Justin and Joshua Roy, Benjamin Roy Davison and wife Melissa, Nicole Mercer and husband, Ryan, Isaac Roy and companion, Kayla Bruce, Cody Hinkley-Roy, Samuel, Jack and Louise Roy, Christopher Roy, Elias Hersom and little Zoe, due to be born Jan. 5; step grandchildren, Kacey Fitch and companion Thomas Sweney and Eamon and Liam Cook; and great-grandchildren, Sharon Jones, Zane Mercer, Zerrick Roy and Abraam Sweney. Gene also leaves four brothers, Gerard and wife Priscilla of Westminster, Colo., Joseph Edward and wife Constance of Lewiston, Paul and wife Marielle of Lewiston and Richard and wife Venise of Portland; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son, David P. Roy; and grandsons Adam Dominic Roy and Matthew Fitch.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff members at Clover Manor who, over the years, provided care and comfort to Eugene during his extended stay in the facility.

It’s been a long, arduous journey, Gene. May you enjoy your new freedom and rest in peace.

Condolences, donations and a photo tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.