Eugene E. Niemi Jr.

1939 - 2020

Dracut

Eugene E. "Gene" Niemi, Jr., died on Friday, December 25, 2020 in Naples, FL., with his wife by his side. Gene was 81 years old.

Gene had been a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the UMass Lowell since 1966. Before that, he worked as an engineer at General Electric Company in Fitchburg, MA designing steam turbines and at Raytheon Company Missile Systems Division in Bedford, MA working on missile aerodynamics.

Gene was born in 1939 in Fitchburg, MA, the son of Eugene E. Niemi, Sr., and Helen M. (Hill) Niemi Heimo. He attended Fitchburg schools, graduating from Fitchburg High School in 1957. As a youth, he was a member of the volunteer Ground Observer Corps doing aircraft spotting, and the Civil Air Patrol, where he achieved the rank of Cadet Major. He spent many summers with friends at Fitchburg Airport, which led to his love for flying and a career in aeronautical engineering and teaching engineering. He received a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Boston University, a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and a Ph.D. in mechanical & aerospace engineering from UMass Amherst. At UMass Lowell, Gene taught courses in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, ocean engineering, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer. During summers he worked in industry and research at such places as NASA in Virginia and California, the USAF in Tennessee, and the US Army Natick Research Labs in Massachusetts. At the time of his death, he was writing a textbook on aerodynamics.

Gene was interested in boating, flying, shooting, and classical music; and for many years was an avid pilot with a commercial license and instrument rating, at one time owning his own airplane. In his earlier years, he was also a gyrocopter pilot (essentially a flying lawn chair), often flying demonstration flights at the Fitchburg and Gardner airports and airshows in New England.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Grace-Niemi; three sons, Eric J. and his wife Kathy of Helendale, CA; James B. and his wife Stephanie of Concord, MA; and Steven R. and his wife Jill of Ashby, MA; and his stepson Eric J. and his wife Juliemae of Dracut, MA. He was affectionately known as "Bumpa" to his grandchildren Elise, Amanda, R.J., Sarah, Michael, Erin, and Emily. He also leaves a niece and several nephews.

He and his wife Evelyn enjoyed spending time in New Hampshire with their children and grandchildren at their summer place on Lake Winnisquam, boating around the lake and visiting local attractions; and at their winter home in Naples, FL. High points of their lives were cruises and trips to several Caribbean islands as well as trips out West and to Europe.

Gene was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret R. (Johnson) Niemi, who died in 1995, and by his brother Paul R. Niemi, who died in 2016.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 4-7pm on Sunday, January 3rd in the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Avenue. To ensure the safety of all, social distancing measures will be in place and face coverings kindly required. Interment will be held privately in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene's memory may be made to College Seventh Day Adventist Church, 337 Main Street, South Lancaster, MA 01851 or to the Dracut Food Pantry, 1934 Lakeview Avenue, Dracut, MA 01826.

To leave and online condolence or memory visit dracutfuneralhome.com



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