Eugene J. "Gene" Doe Jr., a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, August 1, 2016 at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston following a short illness. He was 79 years of age.
Gene was born in Boston on November 12, 1936, a son of the late Eugene J. Doe and Rose M. (Doherty) Doe. He grew up in Charlestown where he received his education. Gene entered into the United States Army on November 12, 1953 and served his country with pride and honor during the Korean Conflict. Gene was discharged on December 6, 1954 with the rank of Private First Class. He reenlisted in the United States Army the next day on December 7, 1954 and served for another 21 years, retiring and being honorably discharged on October 31, 1976 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Gene was a member of the United States Special Forces (Green Berets) during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal(1 OLC), Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge, Canadian Parachute Wings, and a Meritorious Service Medal. Gene completed 468 jumps during his military career, one of which was 4 1/2 miles high in the air requiring the use of an oxygen mask. Gene served three tours in Vietnam, and was wounded 10 times and on May 24, 1969, Gene distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during a search and clear mission near the Ben Het Special Forces Camp. He was very proud and honored to have served his country as a true patriot. Following his retirement from military service, Gene worked as a Longshoreman on the Boston waterfront for 25 years and was member of the International Longshoreman's Association Local #805. He is a member of the V.F.W. Post # 338, Somerville City Club and The Halligan Club.
Gene is the devoted father of Billie Jo Watson and her husband Warren of Medford, and Eugene Joseph Doe Wolf of Georgia. He is the loving grandfather of Brendan, Kyleigh, and Alex Watson, and great-grandfather of Maddison Marshall. He is the beloved brother of Robert H. Doe of Stoneham, William E. Doe of Charlestown, Honey Millerick of Stoneham, LoriAnn Doe of Stoneham, and the late Arthur L. Doe, Charles F. Doe, and Ronald P. Doe. Gene is the longtime companion of Jean Drohan. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to Gene's Funeral Mass on Friday August 5, 2016 in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 AM. His burial will be at the Veteran's Administration National Cemetery in Bourne. There are no funeral home visiting hours.