Manset — Eugene “Gene” Shubert Thurston III, 69, passed away unexpectedly June, 13th 2017, at his home in Manset. He was born October 7th 1947, in Ellsworth to Eugene S. Thurston Jr. and Helen Swan Thurston.
Gene graduated from Pemetic High School in 1966. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After serving active duty for 2 years he returned home to start his lobstering career. Gene later married the love of his life, Carmella Kelley, in 1979 and they settled in Southwest Harbor. They were married for 38 years and raised their two sons Aaron and Adam.
Gene was an avid angler and hunter. He enjoyed many days on the water lobstering, halibut fishing and tuna fishing. He had a lifelong career lobstering and was also a part owner of the Kozy Kove restaurant for a number of years before he took the Harbor Master job for the Town of Southwest Harbor where he worked for 17 years. Gene was a local fly fishing legend, spending a lot of time in northern Maine on Allagash Lake. His favorite annual trip was with friends and his sons every spring. Grump also enjoyed spending time with his grandson Cameron. Gene was an active member in the local Kiwanis Club and was also a member of the American Legion.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Carmella (Kelley) Thurston; his sons Aaron Thurston and wife Amy of Boston, MA; Adam Thurston, his wife Brianna Thurston, and his grandson Cameron Thurston of Southwest Harbor; sisters Alice Berndtson and husband John of Pittsfield, MA; Linda Dow and her husband George of Southwest Harbor; brother Jim Thurston of Bass Harbor; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his mother and father, and stepmother Erma Thurston, his brother Fred Thurston, and his great nephew Josh McInvale
A memorial service will be held at St. Peters Church, 5 Ocean House Rd. in Southwest Harbor on Monday, June 26th at 11:00 A.M.
Contributions in Gene’s memory may be made to the Southwest Harbor Ambulance Service, P O Box 437, Southwest Harbor 04679 or the Southwest Harbor Lions Club, P O Box 745, Southwest Harbor 04679
Arrangements by Acadia Burial and Cremation Direct.
Condolences may be expressed at www.acadiacremation.com
1 Condolence
Carmella, Aaron and Adam my deepest condolences to all of you at this difficulty and sad time. Gene was truly a wonderful person. He had a heart of gold and a laugh and smile to match. He could reach everyone with his calm wisdom, his ability to be generous and his truly giving nature. He was the best of the best!
I will miss him dearly when I come to the Island the he was such a part of. We shared many a laugh, lobster and funny moment. Those memories I will treasure always. I am so glad I could call him my friend.
Carmella and boys you are in my thoughts and prayers and although I can not be with you physically on Monday I will be there in spirit.
Bye Gene I will miss you greatly!
Ann Rock
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