Eugene A. "Gene" Seaver

KEENE -- Eugene A. "Gene" Seaver 76, a lifelong resident of Keene, died Dec. 1, 2010, at home with his family at his side.

He was born in Keene, Feb. 7, 1934, to Eugene G. and Leona E. (Racine) Seaver. He was educated in Keene public schools and was a 1952 graduate of Keene High School. He graduated from the Massachusetts Radio School in Boston and upon completing this course, he joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country at Scott Air Force Base in Bellville, Ill., Fort Worth Texas Air Base, Chicoppee, Mass., and Anchorage, Alaska, before being honorably discharged in June of 1957.

Following his military services, he returned to school and graduated in 1961 from Keene State College with a degree in mathematics. He continued taking advanced courses in administration at the University of New Hampshire. In 1966, he received a master's degree in Education from Keene State College.

IN HIS LIFE: In 1961, he began his teaching career at Troy High School. In 1962, he was offered a position at the new Monadnock Regional High School in Swanzey, where he taught until 1968. While at Monadnock, he coached the boy's cross country team, the first undefeated team in the school's history. The team went on to win the state championship in 1967.

From 1968 until 1970, Mr. Seaver was the assistant principal at Turner's Falls (Mass.) High School. He returned to Keene to finish his career in administration at Keene High School, where he served from 1970 until 1990 as assistant principal and athletic director.

In 1990, he was recertified to teach drivers education at Keene High School where he continued to teach into the summer of 2010.

He was an active member of the football, basketball and baseball associations, NH Retired Teachers Association and a past member of the Brentwood Golf Course in Keene. He was a member of the American Legion Gordon Bissell Keene Post #4.

As a student, Mr. Seaver played American Legion baseball and also was an active participant in Keene High School and Keene State College basketball and baseball. His great love for sports allowed him to continue his passion as a referee of high school football, basketball and baseball throughout the state from 1964 until 2010. On November 14, 2009, he was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements and dedication to the student athletes of New Hampshire, an honor he was very proud of.

On Nov. 3, 2010, he was honored at his home by the state football organization, NHFO, and several members from around the state attended. Mr. Seaver was presented a plaque for over 40 years of football officiating and was given an honorary lifetime membership in the association. It is an honor given to individuals who uphold the highest values and meet criteria set forth by the association.

He relished the times spent with his loving family and especially being with his four granddaughters. He loved golf and was proud of his first hole-in-one at Brentwood Golf Course in 2000. He greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his cottage on Silver Lake and boating on the lake every weekend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44years, Angela J. (Linari) Seaver, to whom he wed on June 18, 1966; his devoted children, Stacey J. Seaver of Atlanta, Michael E. Seaver and his wife, Nicole, of Oceanside, Long Island, his cherished granddaughters; Emily, Riley and Molly Seaver of Oceanside, and Maggie Seaver of Atlanta. He is also survived by a brother, Lanney Seaver and his wife, Judy, of Stoddard, a brother-in-law, Dr. Ronald Linari of Franklin, Mass., a sister-in-law, Heike Linari of Mansfield, Mass., two nephews; Kevin and Scott, two nieces; Carin and Stephanie, an aunt, and several cousins.

SERVICES: A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main St., Keene. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Main Street, Keene. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Foley Funeral Home (www.foleyfuneralhome.com), 49 Court Street, Keene.

Donations may be made in Mr. Seaver's memory to Kingsbury Center for Cancer Care, 580 Court Street, Keene 03431, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Patient Care Needs of Hospice, PO Box 564, Keene 03431-0564.