Eugene H. "Gene" Poissant Jr.

1939 - 2024

Eugene "Gene" H. Poissant, Jr.

1939-2024

Hawley, MA - Gene Poissant died on August 18, 2024 following a lengthy illness.

Gene was born in North Adams, MA, the son of Frances & Eugene Poissant. He moved to Hawley MA at the age of 7 and attended school in a one room schoolhouse in Hawley through grade 8. For his freshman year he attended Arms Academy, then moved to Charlemont High School to finish his high school education. He served in the National Guard for 7 years, reaching the rank of E5 Staff Sergeant, and would spend 2 weeks every summer at Camp Drum, NY.

Gene married Louise J Welch (from Stockbridge MA) on August 26, 1961. They moved to Ashfield in 1965, where they raised their children Tom, Rob and Kathy. They lived in 3 different homes in Ashfield throughout their nearly 50 years there including a farmhouse, which brought its own adventures and learning experiences, then a log cabin which Gene was very instrumental in building for their later years.

As a young man Gene was hired as an apprentice for a local electrical contractor. After gaining knowledge and showing promise, Gene eventually became a master electrician. He started his own business, Poissant Electric, in 1971 and successfully ran it until he retired in 2001, at which time his son Rob took over. Gene met folks through his occupation who quickly became fond of him and built some long lasting friendships with contractors as well as customers.

Gene was just one of those handy guys who could do most anything and do it well. Later in life he really took to woodworking and enjoyed puttering around his shop making things including furniture pieces and gifts for friends and family.

He had a life-long love of fishing. Besides doing it for pleasure whenever he could, he entered many tournaments. For a while, he and Louise owned a property on Lake Champlain in VT where they spent many happy days fishing and boating with friends and family. Even after selling the property, Gene continued to fish and visit Lake Champlain. He loved the outdoors and throughout his life his passions included motorcycles, snowmobiles, hunting/archery, horseshoes, fishing, boating, and we can't forget the indoor sport of gambling/playing blackjack.

Gene was a loving and devoted husband and father, a respected businessman and a wonderful brother, uncle, friend and neighbor, but it was clear that one of his greatest roles and joys was being a Grandpa. He was a FUN-LOVING and proud "Papa" to Nick, Cody, McKayla and Erika.

After losing his wife of over 50 years, Gene was very fortunate to have found love again with Juanita Clark (who also lost her husband of over 50 years). They enjoyed 10 years together living in her home in Hawley which was a homecoming for him. They enjoyed taking day trips, making donuts, visiting casinos and watching the Red Sox. As his conditions worsened, Juanita was a wonderful caregiver to Gene.

Gene was predeceased by his wife, Louse J Poissant, and by his four older sisters, Frances Dennis, Catherine Newell, Ann Taylor and Irene Wesolowski. He is survived by his children, Tom Poissant, Rob (& Pam) Poissant, Kathy (& Cathy Stone) Poissant; his grandchildren, Nick Nye, Cody (Anna) Belval, McKayla Poissant and Erika Poissant; and great-grandchildren Emree, Collins and Keegan Belval.

Family, friends and neighbors are invited to an informal celebration of Gene's life at noon on Saturday, 9/21/24 at the Sons & Daughters of Hawley, Grove Building, 327 East Hawley Rd. Lunch will be served and memories will be shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice (329 Conway St., Suite 2, Greenfield MA 01301) or Town of Hawley Fire Dept (8 Pudding Hollow Rd., Hawley MA 01339).

Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, 104 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls MA.