EAST MILLINOCKET – Gene P. Ciarrocchi Sr. died at his home Nov. 19, 2005, after a long illness. He was born Sept. 23, 1919, in East Millinocket, the third of four sons born to immigrant parents, Nicole and Casilde (Masaroni) Ciarrocchi. He was a life-long resident of East Millinocket, where he had attended and graduated from the public schools in 1938. He graduated from Aroostook State Normal School, Presque Isle, in 1941 and the University of Maine at Orono in 1947. Gene was a communicant of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where he taught religious education for several years, was treasurer of the Church Lawn Party for 31 years, and served on the parish council. Gene was a World War II veteran, serving with the 8th Air Force in England and participated in 34 bomber missions as a 1st lieutenant, a bombardier engaged in air offensives over Northern France, Normandy and Germany. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the EAME Theater Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Hildred Robertson Ciarrocchi; his two daughters, Theresa Neill and her husband, Frank, of Oqunquit and Lorna Ferguson and her husband, Charles, of Millinocket; a son, Peter Ciarrocchi and his wife, Renee, of East Millinocket; one brother, Vetal Ciarrocchi of East Millinocket; six grandchildren, Jeremy, Derek, Casilde, Gene Peter III, Jessica and Dane; two great-grandsons, Tristan and Derek; several dear nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Donna Duffy of East Millinocket; two cousins, Nina Pollak of Florida and Camilla Cushing of New Hampshire; and many other family members and friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Robert. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Burial will be in the family lot at the East Millinocket Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory may be made to the Katahdin Area Support Group. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Rd., Lincoln. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com
GENE P. CIARROCCHI SR.
