BETHEL – Eugene Leo Kelly Jr., “Gene”, 89, of Bethel, Maine, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn, Maine.

Eugene was born on Dec. 2, 1931, in Jersey City, N.J., to Eugene Leo Kelly Sr. and Jane Platt Kelly. Eugene graduated from Red Bank High School in 1949. He joined the Navy on the buddy-plan with his best friend, George Illmensee, and served six years as a hospital medic.

He was married to Virginia (Ginger) Remmey in Colts Neck, N.J., on June 14, 1952, and they remained married for 65 years. Upon completion of his service, he settled in Colts Neck and began work at Worthington Biochemical as a lab technician. In 1972, he moved his family to Bethel and began a second career as a house builder/renovator and antique dealer. His first renovation project was the empty William Chapman house at the head of Main Street in Bethel. He also was a bus driver for SAD 44 for many years.

Eugene was a talented artist. He began painting later in life focusing mainly in watercolors. His use of exotic colors was something he inherited from his mother who was also an artist and set him apart in the many shows he entered.

Gene and Ginger enjoyed working on their small farm, antiquing, traveling, and spending time with their extensive family. Gene always had a twinkle in his eye and was known for his wit and dry sense of humor. He loved playing pranks on the younger members of his family.

He is survived by his sister, Vonnie Spillane, and his seven children – Mary Jo Kelly, Christine Kelly, Kathleen Kelly and her husband, Robert Rooney, Eugene Leo Kelly III and his wife, Teresa, Cavenaugh Kelly and his wife, Rosemary, Virginia Gill and her husband, Joseph, and Michael Kelly and his wife, Tammy. He had 28 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.

A celebration of life is planned for December 4, at 3 p.m., at the Bethel Church of the Nazarene.

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