NEWBURGH and LAS VEGAS – Eugene Vernon Nealley, 49, died unexpectedly March 23, 2010, in Las Vegas. He was born Nov. 13, 1960, in Bangor, the son of Roland E. and Sandra (Toothaker) Nealley. Gene attended Newburgh and Hampden schools and lettered in football. He was a founding member of the Newburgh Pulphookers. Graduating in 1979 from Hampden Academy, he then attended Washington County Vocational Technical Institute where he earned an associate degree in plumbing. After completing school, his interests turned to carpentry. He worked under the guidance of his uncle, Lester Gladwyn Toothaker; and cousin, Austin, honing his craft to become a skilled finish carpenter. Gene enjoyed playing bass guitar in The Little Mountain Band, and spending time with close friends. He also liked to read and could often be found with a good book, the Bible being his favorite. Gene belonged to Carpenters Union No. 1977 and Bangor Elks Lodge No. 244. He is survived by his daughter, Erica Nealley and grandson, Brandon; mother, Sandra Nealley; grandmother, Phyllis E. Ricker; sister, Lori Tracy and husband, Matthew; brother, Michael; nephews, Ryan and Tyler; nieces, Frankie, Cassie and Makayla; great-nephews, Zachary and Ezekiel; aunts, Beverly Porter, Golda Toothaker and Elinor Canders; uncles, Roger Toothaker and wife, Jenny, and Vernon Toothaker; many cousins and extended family members. Gene was predeceased by his father, Roland Nealley; grandfather, Eugene Nealley; grandmother, Leola Nealley; and grandfather, Vernon K. Toothaker. He was also predeceased by his dogs, Waldo and Tootsie. Gene was a loving father, son, brother and grandfather, as well as a loyal friend. His life on earth was not long enough. His boyish grin and chuckle will always be remembered. He never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by many. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. An Elk’s memorial service and celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Bangor Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Road, Bangor, at a date and time to be announced in Wednesday’s edition of the Bangor Daily News. Gifts may be made in Gene’s memory, care of Erica Nealley, 57 Moosehead Blvd., Bangor, ME 04401. Messages of condolence and memories may be made through www.hampdengilpatrick.com. You are not forgotten loved one, nor will you ever be. As long as life and memory last, we will miss thee. We will miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time goes by we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can fill your vacant place.
EUGENE V. NEALLEY ‘GENE’ ‘GENO’
