Beverly - Eugene "Geno" Curtis, 68, of Beverly, died tragically and unexpectedly on Monday, April 11, 2022. He was the son of the late Frederick Curtis and Grace Newhall. He leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Ellen; his beloved children, Sean, daughter-in-law Ningmeng, Collin, Leah; and his beautiful granddaughter Cyann.

Born in Somerville and raised in Lynn, Gene graduated from Lynn English High School, class of 1972. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country from 1972 until his honorable discharge in 1976. After his release from the Air Force he proudly volunteered to be a member of the Army National Guard, where he assisted in rescue efforts during the Blizzard of '78. He was honorably discharged in 1980.

After his time in the service, Gene worked various jobs until he found his lifelong career at the M.B.T.A's Everett Main Repair Facility. For 31 years, he worked his way up the ranks as a 3rd, 2nd, and 1st class electrical worker for the I.B.E.W's Local 717. His role was to repair, build and maintain transit motors. During his time at the M.B.T.A, as a respected, hardworking employee, he took great pride in his work and developed many meaningful friendships along the way.

From a young age, it was clear that Gene had a passion and talent for art. Over the course of his lifetime, he created hundreds, if not thousands, of original pieces of artwork – Coastal New England being his favorite theme. In his later years, he continued to develop his talents while visiting The Wooden Boat School at Monhegan Island, ME. The summers spent there profoundly impacted Gene's lifework and were a prevailing inspiration throughout his most recent artistic endeavors. "Every time there is a beautiful day, they let you paint the sky."

He had fond memories of visiting his brother Freddy during summer in the Carolinas, where he learned how to drive, even though he was only 13.

During his lifetime, Gene courageously battled and conquered numerous health issues including Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was a fighter for his family and himself. He was humble to a fault and always willing to offer his opinion. Gene always provided a helping hand and even went as far as teaching his daughter-in-law how to drive. He loved and cherished his children and his little tornado of a granddaughter Cyann more than anything. He was funny, hardworking, honest and loyal.

Along with his wife, children, and granddaughter, he is survived by his siblings, Walter and his wife Margaret, Grace (Cissy) and her late husband Gerald, Larry and his wife Debbie, Alice and her husband Roger, Cathy, Marilyn and her late husband Billy, Steve and his wife Lisa; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers Freddy and Robert.

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Hawthorne Crossing Clubhouse in Swampscott, MA. Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a memorial service immediately following at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Contributions may be made in Gene's name to the New England Foundation for the Arts at https://www.nefa.org/donate. Or to The Wooden Boat School Monhegan Island, Maine.