Gene “Mr. Clinton” De Cleene, age 83 years, life long resident of Clinton, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, May 31, 2018, with family and friends by his side at Country Arch Care Center, Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ after a short illness.

Born at home on Center Street in Clinton on August 10, 1934, son of the late Emile and Lourraine Hurtt De Cleene, Gene resided in that home his entire life.

Gene lived a storied life of a boy growing up in small town America; knowing everyone, working hard, giving back and living a happy and fulfilled life.

Beginning with a home birth in 1934, Gene was raised in a time where everyone knew everyone and neighbors were friends. His grandparents owned the famous Clinton House at the time, and many days were spent there where most of the town gathered regularly. Always outgoing, this is where he first made his impression on all who knew him.

Education was extremely important to his parents, and he was sent to Oratory Prep in Summit, NJ for school. The sudden death of his mother in 1946 changed things for the family, and Gene stayed closer to home for school, becoming a member of the first graduating class of the newly built North Hunterdon Regional High School in 1952. He was one of 99 graduates that year, and being the strong athlete that he was, he became the schools very first Basketball Team Captain and Football Team Quarterback. Even in his younger years, he was always a leader; humble and caring to all he ever came in contact with.

That “people person” part of his persona would serve him well as he went off to serve in the United States Army, being honorably discharged in 1958 after serving a tour in Germany as an aircraft mechanic.

Returning home from the service, he went to work for the Highway Department. He then ventured into the insurance profession, first working as an Insurance Agent for Coss Insurance Agency, Clinton, NJ. Gene, always learning, then became a Real Estate Agent for Weichert Realtors, Clinton, NJ, where he assisted many people over the years finding them just the right space for their needs.

Insurance called him back and Gene then owned and operated Eugene De Cleene Insurance Agency, Clinton, NJ. Retiring from insurance, Gene would then become a Postal Carrier for the United States Post Office, working out of Lebanon, NJ. Work was in his blood and over his life he greatly enjoyed his various careers, all of which had him always in direct contact helping people

During this time he still stayed a central figure in his beloved Clinton, NJ, being encouraged to run for Town Council in 1984 and holding the position until 2008. He did take a four year hiatus from 1989-1993, when he was appointed to the Hunterdon County Board of Elections. Gene was loved by all, as he was not a politician but rather a neighbor and person who cared about his community. He was known to listen to all sides of an issue, and always vote for what was best for the town and its people. He certainly could be called a consensus builder, which he felt was the best way to move the town forward for the better.

In 2017 he was the first recipient of the newly created, “Eugene De Cleene Civic Engagement Award,” established by the Hunterdon County Democratic Committee. They created the award in order to honor someone each year who shows the type of genuine passion for their community like Gene did. Upon learning of the award and being named its first recipient, Gene responded humbly, “I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary. As I get older, I see the hope of our town!” His passion for Clinton and its citizens, as well as the community at large, never faded.

He was very active in the community in many other ways and will forever be remembered as the “Town Crier” wearing his red cloak, tri-corner hat, and ringing his bell loudly proclaiming all good things. From car shows to parades, weddings to Christmas fairs, Gene’s booming voice could be heard above all others without a microphone. He loved this role and many children eagerly looked for him at every town event just so they could take a photo with him.

Gene was a Life member of both the Clinton Fire Department as well as the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad. He had a passion for emergency services and always strove to make sure volunteerism and that genuine desire to help a neighbor were always on people’s minds. The best part: Gene led by example. He was a doer and not only, “talked the talk,” but also, “walked the walk!” He served as Past President, Banquet Chairman and Captain of the Fire Police for the Fire Department and was always known for selling the most raffle tickets for the Rescue Squad at all their functions in addition to riding the ambulance helping to save countless lives over the years.

A second father and grandfather to many, family was important to Gene. He encouraged his children to be the best versions of themselves and to always reach for the stars. This attitude is probably the best way to describe this man of action, integrity, genuineness and love. To sum up Gene, one only need to look to his own words from a short movie that was made about his life in which he states, “I think every ordinary citizen could be a hero as long as you do your best for society.” Gene tried daily to do his best for all peoples, and the world is certainly a better place for him having passed through it, and leaving a legacy that will endure for many, many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Graycar De Cleene in 1999; his former wife, Peggy De Cleene; and two of his most cherished canine companions, his yellow Labrador retrievers Cooper and Trex.

Surviving are a daughter and her longtime partner, Suzanne Bridge and Rick Latza; a daughter and son-in-law, Joni and John Pritchard; a son and daughter-in-law, Eugene M. and Kim De Cleene; his step-mother, Marialice De Cleene; two half-brothers and sisters-in-law, Emile and Bonnie De Cleene and Mark and Valerie De Cleene; two brothers-in-law and their spouses, Brian and Eileen Graycar and Michel and Pat Graycar; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; several nieces, nephews and extended family; and many dear friends.

Life celebration services will take place on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 7:45 p.m. in Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. This will be preceded by joint services by the Clinton Fire Department and the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad at 7:30 p.m.

Gene will lie in repose on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 3:30-7:30 at the funeral home.

Graveside committal prayers offered by longtime friend Deacon William Bauer, followed by burial with military honors in the family plot at Old St. Mary’s Cemetery, Halstead Street, Clinton, NJ, will take place on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. The funeral procession will begin from the area of the Clinton House on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., as Gene is escorted on Clinton Fire Department’s “LuLuBelle” through his, “old stomping grounds.” Anyone wishing to meet and join the procession to the cemetery is welcome and encouraged. Funeral home care team members will be on hand to assist you with joining the procession. Please note that there will be no procession from Flemington to Clinton on Wednesday morning. Please also be advised that parking at the cemetery will be on the northbound side of Halstead Street, or in the Water Authority Field only. There will be escorts to cross the street. Please do not block the road at any point.

Please visit Gene’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a memorial candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of his life.

To view a film made in 2017 about Gene’s life that was made by Mark K. Zhutianli with the support of the Town of Clinton, please click HERE. Please note you will be taken to a new window or, you can click the link above marked, “Watch Tribute Video” to remain on this page.

The family is extremely grateful to the entire community for the tremendous outpouring of love and support. They are strongly encouraging that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Rogers’ Rescues, 531 Route 22 East, Suite 191, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 or to the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad, who were always there in seconds for Gene when he needed them later in life for his medical issues. Contributions can be made online or mailed to PO Box 5265, Clinton NJ 08809.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”