Joseph Eugene "Gene" Perreault, age 94, of Appleton and Killingly, Connecticut, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Silverstone Memory Care in Grand Chute.  He was born on January 27, 1931, to the late Eugene and Amilda (Hubert) Perreault in Danielson, Connecticut.  Gene married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Carragher, on November 14, 1959, in Danielson, Connecticut.

Gene graduated from Killingly High School in June of 1948 and then enlisted in the US Navy in August of 1948.  Over 21 years, he served on two aircraft carriers, the USS Hornet (CV-12) and his favorite, the USS Saratoga (CVA-60).  He retired a Lieutenant in November of 1969 and returned home to Connecticut with his family.  Shortly afterward he began his 22-year career with the US Postal Service, working at the Brooklyn, Danielson, and Dayville post offices before retiring in 1991.  His habit on the way to work in those years was to stop at Zip's Diner for coffee and an English muffin every morning with the local group of guys. He was quick to point out that his first day of retirement, January 27, 1991, was also his 60th birthday, and the day his favorite NY Giants won Super Bowl XXV!  He also loved his Boston Red Sox and watching UCONN women's basketball.

Gene was an avid reader and could be found most mornings at Barnes & Noble enjoying coffee with his friends. He also loved crossword puzzles, watching old westerns, and building model ships and airplanes. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially during the hot summer months and always had the most beautiful lawn in the neighborhood. Daddy loved his one-liners…  if you held the door open for him he'd quip "finally found a job you can handle," when a waitress asked if he needed anything else he'd answer "have you got any money I can use to pay for this?", when ending a phone call with Daddy promising to talk later, his favorite response was "the good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise!" We will all miss him greatly. He was a very special person.

Gene is survived by his children: Kim (John) Gietman, Teri (Andy) Fournier, Danielle (Jerry) Routh, Nancy (Manny) Joaquim, and Christopher (Johna) Perreault; his grandchildren: Torin (Caitlin) Phaiah, Ryan (Sarah) Gietman, Derek (Alexis) Perreault, Erin (Brian) Kulaga, Cody Perreault, Evan Joaquim, Kristy (Pat) Riley, Amber (Andy) Merrick, and Candice Fournier; great grandchildren: Ethan Phaiah, Abby Phaiah, Jackson Saeger, Kaysen Perreault, Cassius Gietman, Julian Gietman, Haley Romano, Joe Romano, Daphne O'Toole, Ella Merrick, and Max Merrick; and many other relatives and friends. "Uncle Gene" was also especially fond of his nieces and nephews.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Pat; his infant daughter Danielle Anne Perreault; his parents; sisters: Aline (Gerry) Gibeault and Rachel (Jack) Louiselle; and brother Dick (Joan) Perreault.

A memorial service for Gene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at SAINT THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N McDonald Street, Appleton with Fr. Larry Seidl officiating.  Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.  Burial will take place at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Appleton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Senior Helpers, Moments Hospice, and the staff of Silverstone Memory Care for the care and compassion they all showed Gene and his family.