Eugene (Gene) Willis Gage, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2019.  Gene was born on December 3, 1929 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, NY and lived most of his life in the Fort Johnson and Amsterdam area. Gene and his wife Mary Margaret moved to the Five Towns community in St Petersburg, FL in 2005 where they established many new friendships.

Gene served proudly in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway.  Gene loved sports- playing them, watching them and talking about them.  As a youth, Gene excelled at speed skating and won many local, regional and state competitions.  He also loved bowling, baseball/softball, tennis, skiing, and golf where he was equally adept at right and left-handed play.  When he moved to Florida, he became a bocce and shuffleboard enthusiast.

Gene had a long career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation.  Following his retirement from NIMO, he began a successful 10-year career as a real estate agent with Century 21 where he distinguished himself by earning "Rookie Of The Year" in his first year.

Gene was a member of Holy Cross Parish in St Petersburg and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was the son of the late Leland Henry and Elsie Mae (Schwem) Gage of Fort Johnson, NY.  He was preceded in death by his siblings, Leland and Carleton Gage and June Townsend and her husband, Louie who he loved as a brother. His loving wife of 56 years, Mary Margaret (Putman) Gage of Amsterdam, passed away exactly 10 years earlier to the day on April 8, 2009.  Gene was Mary Margaret's devoted caretaker in her latter years.

Gene is survived by his children, Tom (Joanne) Gage of St Augustine and Colleen (Randy) Shushtari of Treasure Island and his two granddaughters whom he adored, Kristen (SunJin) Zanker of Ft. Lauderdale and Briana (Chris) Richards of Spokane, WA.

Gene will be interned at St Mary's Cemetery in Fort Johnson, NY where he will be laid to rest beside his loving wife.  A private service will be held in New York.

In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make a contribution to the Walter Elwood Museum, in memory of Eugene Gage.

The Walter Elwood Museum, 100 Church Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Attention: Ann Peconie, Museum Director, 518-843-5151 or director@walterelwoodmuseum.org