Eugene W. Otis
Eugene W. Otis (Gene), New Hampton, NH
Dad, grandpa and friend to many, passed away in peace with family surrounding on March 11, 2024.
Gene was born in Central Falls Rhode Island on November 10th 1930. The eldest son of Eugene Arthur Otis and Priscilla (St. Jean) Otis. As his sister Janet tells it, he was a curious, kind and rambunctious boy who loved roaming the neighborhood with his brother Charlie and friends; playing along the Blackstone River.
In his late teen years, Gene worked alongside his Father at the ‘glassworks’ factory, and in 1950 at the age of 20, he proudly enlisted in the United State Air Force where he served with distinction for 20 years! Initially trained as an Aircraft Weapons Mechanic, Gene served all over the world, Lowry, Neubiberg, Tripoli, North Africa, Smoky Hill, Otis and Westover; working on the F-80, F-84, F86 Sabre and the B-47 Bomber.
On November 10, 1956, Gene married Joan Garside, and they began their Air Force Adventure.
In 1958 Gene and Joan welcomed their first son Robert and Gene was promoted to T/sgt. The following year landed them in Morocco, where they welcomed their 2nd son, James. In 1960, T/sgt Otis, enamored with anything airplane, obtained his private pilots license and began the role of Communications Supervisor, heading off to Chicksands RaF Station in Shefford UK; where their last child Donna was born.
In 1964 Gene decided to pursue Air Force Recruiting, so back to the ‘states’ for the family. This time landing in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he achieved his goal and was promoted to Master Sergeant.
Master Sergeant Otis fulfilled his last Air Force assignment in 1968, taking the family on the long journey to Taiwan, in the role of Communications Supervisor at Shu Lin Co Air Force Station; retiring in 1971 after 20 proud years in the US Air Force.
After Military retirement, the family moved back to the ‘states’, settling near Joan’s family in Nashua, NH. During this time he had many flying adventures, even owning his own airplane! Gene attended night school and obtained his college degree while working in Banking and climbing the ladder within the US Postal Service.
He proudly completed his ‘2nd’ career in 1981, as Postmaster of the New Hampton NH Post Office.
Gene and Joan enjoyed many road trips throughout the United States visiting friends and family. He was involved in the New Hampton community, serving on the Village Utility and Cemetery Commission(s) and he was always lending a helping hand to family and neighbors.
You could often find him walking around town with his ‘stick’, puttering in his yard and workshop or doing something with his grand-kids, who were his greatest joy!
Gene was one of a kind, loved his family and the simple pleasures that they brought. He lived life to his fullest until the very end. He will be very missed but not forgotten.
Gene was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Joan M. (Garside) Otis and his brother Robert Otis and is survived by:
Children, Robert Otis and daughter-in-law Terri of New Hampton, James Otis of Dallas Texas, Donna (Otis) Keeley and son-in-law Steve of Pittsfield, NH.
Grandchildren, Sarah Otis, Melissa (Otis) Ramirez-husband Pablo, Matthew Otis-wife Danielle, Samuel Otis, Rebecca Otis and Fiance Noah Sullivan.
Great Grandchildren Levi Locke and Lucia Ramirez. Brother Charles Otis of Florida and Sister Janet Balshaw of California and many nieces and nephews.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in the future.
If inclined, in memory of Gene, make a donation to a local Veterans Organization or to the New Hampton New Hampshire Fire and Rescue.