Eugene F. Beirne, III

HERKIMER, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24th, 2025

I, Eugene Francis Beirne, III, passed away. I was born in Margaretville, New York on November 15th, 1943. The only child of Alyce and Eugene Beirne, Jr. After my parents separated in 1946, I lived in New York City but spent my summers and holidays on the family farm in Roxbury, New York.

I am survived by my youngest daughter, Terry Edick, her husband, Mark Edick, my oldest daughter, Dayle Barra, and my grandson Joseph Barra. My granddaughter Erica Purcell, her husband Timothy Purcell, my great grandchildren Connor, Carter and Cooper. My grandson Darren Norrbom, his wife Kayla Norrbom, my great grandchildren McKenzie, Madelynn and Magnolia.

I graduated from Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, New York. I received a BA in Economics and a Masters' in Education from SUNY Oneonta. My CAS (for school administration) was earned at SUNY Cortland.

I spent 1964 to 1969 in the US Air Force. Four of those five years were in overseas assignments. I had the opportunity to work in or visit some 15 countries. I earned the Good Conduct Ribbon.

The best thing that ever happened to me was marrying my darling wife, Ellen, June 21st, 1966, in Cotton End Baptist Church, Bedford, England. She was the love of my life. We shared many adventures. Ellen's passing on April 20th, 2007, of ALS, was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I missed her for the rest of my life.

I began my professional career as a social studies teacher in Richfield Springs. As an administrator I worked in Oppenheim-Ephratah, Herkimer, Crown Point and Catskill, New York. Ellen and I retired in 2001 and headed south (Florida Keys and the Bahamas) in our sailboat. We lived on the boat for five winters. Wonderful times.

To my enemies, you got your wish. To my friends, close, not so close and in different times of my life; I will never be able to thank you for enriching my life as you did in all sorts of ways.

Below are words from his family:

Eugene "Gene" Francis Beirne, III passed away peacefully in his sleep September 24th, 2025. Even though we are grateful Gene did not suffer, it is still a huge loss, and our hearts are heavy with sadness.

As many know, Gene was diligent with being punctual and prepared; having thought of each scenario and carefully crafted and executed thorough plans. This diligence served him well in his educator and administrator years all the way to the present, where he even wrote his own obituary. I believe he did it just to help us all through, but we could not move forward without adding our own little details that made Gene who he was to us. He was someone who always wanted the best for you, cheered on from the sidelines, wanted to be involved and help out in any way he could. The memories of traveling with him and Ellen are some of my best and favorite memories of our childhood- even when he would drag us all to different Forts and museums- because he could even make history exciting! His stories about his past from growing up and spending summers on the farm with a pet duck, to meeting Ellen and marrying her, traveling, and raising children were always special to hear. He didn't stop adding to his story of life and travels once he and Ellen retired, and he continued his travels and social gatherings to the very end, regaling us with stories of the college courses he was teaching, friends he was visiting, and the trips he had done and was planning to take.

Gene loved Ellen so much, and their stories were always our favorite. We know soulmates exist because of the love they had with each other and then the love he carried for Ellen after she passed. Please take comfort in knowing their souls have reconnected once again, as we carry that comfort in our hearts while we move forward.

Per Gene's wishes, he will be cremated. At a future date, both Gene and Ellen's ashes will be spread together at their favorite sailing spot. Gene did not want a funeral or memorial service, but we would like to invite friends for a celebration of his life at a location and time to be determined.

Gene’s obituary may be viewed online by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Arrangements are with Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.