Eugene A. Nadeau, “Gene” of Killdeer Road, Warwick, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 11th at HopeHealth Hulitar Center in Providence after a brief illness.
He was a true family man, a scholar, and a consummate gentleman. Hosting Friday night dinners for his family and often their friends and significant others for the past twenty-five years, his home became a harbor for all. He would mix the cocktails, Manhattans being his favorite, pass the hors d’oeuvres, play chef, steward, never allowing anyone to assist with the clean-up.
A true local, Gene lived in Warwick since 1964. He was born July 26, 1931 in Cranston, RI on Perkins Avenue to the late Joseph and Margaret Nadeau. Graduated Cranston High School in 1948 and the School of Banking at Williams College in 1963. After serving 17 months on the front lines during the Korean War and being discharged as a decorated Army veteran, he then embarked upon a 45 year career of dedicated service with Fleet Bank retiring in 1994.
Gene led a very active civic life. He was a founding member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, a United Way panel member, President of the Warwick Jaycees and was involved in various other organizations. A life-long philanthropist, there was no cause too small in which he would take interest and give support, often lending far more than a hand to anyone who needed it.
Finally, we would be remiss if we did not highlight his love of arts and music. A self-taught pianist at the age of 9, he developed a passionate affinity for classical music. Only missing the first season in 1945, he was the longest living patron of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. This would have been his 75th consecutive year of enjoying their music. It was one of his greatest pleasures in life. To that, he would give a resounding “BRAVO”!! He was vice chairman and secretary of the Warwick School Committee, serving 2 terms from 2010-2018. During his 8 year tenure, he attended nearly every elementary, junior high and high school chorus and band concert, along with countless other student activities. He truly loved being connected with the student community and marveled at the children’s boundless talents in ALL areas of academics and extra-curricular activities. Above all, Gene was a loving human being and had a caring heart. He was proud, generous, honest, conscientious, and courageous, striving to do the “right thing” even if it meant at times being unpopular.
He made such an indelible impression on so many, and while our hearts mourn, we are comforted and reminded of the extraordinary person he was. He was the adored father of David E. Nadeau (Marylu) of North Kingstown and Michelle M. Gayman (Bryan) of Warwick, loving brother of Ruth Johnson of Charlotte, NC and the late Margaret (Queenie) Fazzi; together they were the Three Musketeers! Cherished granddad of Lauren and Megan Nadeau, and Drew and Carly Gayman, as well as a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews. He was one of those folks who was a stranger to no one and friend to many truly wonderful people and neighbors. All know who they are.
Services will be private at the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, Warwick RI.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, 42 Frederick Street, Warwick, RI 02888 or the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, 667 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914.
