W. "Gene" Lenentine

HODGDON - Whitney Eugene Lenentine, 95, known to most as Gene or Jack, passed away at his home on Sunday March 8, 2026.

Dad was born in Bridgewater, ME, on January 27th, 1931, to Roy Edward and Bertha (Todd) Lenentine, the third of their twelve children.

Dad's first job was at the age of 7 on one end of a crosscut saw, cutting logs with his father. He spent his younger years working for many Monticello farmers and working in the woods with horses, earning money to help support his family. In 1962 Dad went to work for the state of Maine D.O.T. working as a Grader operator all over Aroostook County and plowing and sanding winter roads including I-95 and Route 2 through Haynesville. In 1990 he retired from the state after 28 1/2 years, when he began his next career, back in the woods, with a skitter this time. From the woods he spent the next chapter of his life back on the farm, for the Campbell Family in Littleton working until after his 93rd birthday.

He raised us through example to have his work ethic and taught us to be humble. He would take vacations from the State every September and take all of us to work in the potato fields for his brother-in-law. He worked hard to make sure we had everything we needed, even helping with homework when June and Betty needed help with sewing projects for Home Economics. Sunday mornings were our family time, when Dad made breakfast with all the trimmings.

Around 1955 two girls, both named Ruth, met at work. They became fast friends and decided to introduce each other to the other's brother and a few years later the Ruths traded last names. On April 20th, 1957, Dad married our mom, Ruth Worden Mitchell, at the home of her parents in Scarborough. They were together for 46 years until Moms passing in 2003. He took great care of her during the last few years of her life, never asking for help.

Dad is survived by his sister Winona "Nonie" Potvin of Scarborough, the four of us, June Gravel and husband Gene of Houlton, Betty Trecartin of Littleton, Michael Lenentine and wife Leslie of Buxton, and Lori Lenentine of Hodgdon, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, along with the many honorary children and grandchildren he gained over the years.

In addition to his parents and our mom, Dad is predeceased by son-in-law Albert Trecartin and ten of his siblings and their spouses.

Friends may call on Saturday March 28th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, a funeral service will begin at 1:00PM with Pastor Rob Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Hodgdon Cemetery later in the spring. To share condolences and memories online visit www.bowersfuneral.com