WATERVILLE – Eugene “Gene” Paul Boulette passed away on Saturday March 6, 2021 in his home in Waterville, after 82 years of life.

He was born Dec. 18, 1938 and raised in Waterville to Violette and Joseph Sheehan and Fred Boulette. After serving in the United States Navy, Gene married Mary Paradis in 1960, and raised their three children in Waterville. Until the very end of his life, Gene filled the world with messages of love and gratitude, especially for the love of his life, Mary.

For the last three decades of his life, Gene lived with the name he chose for himself, “Pappy”, a title reserved not just for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but friends, neighbors, and all those who had the pleasure to know him. And for those whose lives he touched, Pappy, standing little more than five feet tall, loomed larger than life.

He moved to the shores of McGrath Pond and built his own log home; fixed anything with wheels; and whittled, worked, or built anything he or his grandchildren could imagine—motorcycles, firetrucks, make-believe weapons, hundred-foot waterslides, even a Batmobile.

For his grandchildren especially, Pappy became the hero of every bedtime story, the source of a thousand adventures, and a model of humility, generosity, and love. Through countless small gestures he reminded us all of our loveliness and the loveliness of life.

Gene is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Jamie Boulette (Melissa) of Arrowsic, Brigitte Massey (Scott) of Waterville, and Peter Boulette (Aaron) of Waterville; seven grandchildren, Michael Boulette (Tyler Davis), Arielle Boulette (Nick Black), John Massey (Katie Woodworth), Katy Deblois (Nick), Lauren McCabe (John), Adan Lawlor, and Zachary London; and eight great-grandchildren, Harriet Davis-Boulette, Frances Davis-Boulette, Neely Davis-Boulette, Liam Black, Quincy Black, Oliver Woodworth, Madeleine Massey, and Jack Massey.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.