Eugene Charles Burgess, 88, of Indian Harbour, Florida, died on Dec. 26, 2015, following a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was known to his many friends as Ace or Sonny.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Joan (Skinner) Burgess, his four sons, Gene and his wife Patty, Michael and his wife Barbara, Darryl and his wife Joyce, Todd and his wife Sandi; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his sister Mary Gaudreau of Bath, a niece Jean Gaudreau Fullerton and her husband Peter, also of Bath, and several nieces and nephews.

He was born on June 13, 1927, and raised in Bath, Maine, the son of Alex and Alice Burgess.

He attended Morse High School until 1946 when he enlisted in the Navy. Upon leaving the Navy he returned to Morse and graduated in the class of 1947. While at Morse he played baseball and football and was a member of the 1947 state championship basketball team.

After graduation he worked at Bath Iron Works and the family grocery store, Alex Burgess and Son. He married Joan Skinner in 1953 and moved to Long Island, New York, in 1955 to work at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Co. until his retirement. While at Grumman he worked on the first manned space capsule, Gemini. After he retired, he and his family moved to Indian Harbour, Florida, where he lived until his death.

He enjoyed playing golf, doing his many puzzles, spending time with his family and traveling to many places with his wife. He also volunteered at a local hospital and delivered Meals On Wheels until his health prevented it.

A private family celebration of Ace’s life will be held at a later date in Florida.