Eugene "Gene" Rose, 76

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  Eugene R. “Gene” Rose, 76, of Cheshire, died Wednesday morning, December 28, 2022 at his home, with family and friends at his side. He was born in North Adams on June 16, 1946, a son of the late Ligouri and Lauria (Allen) Rose. He attended Adams schools and the former St. Joseph’s High School in North Adams. Gene worked as a technician and body shop manager at McAndrews-King Pontiac-Buick-GMC in Adams for over 25 years until his retirement. He was an Honorary Member of the Alert Hose Company, where he served as a firefighter from 1977 until 1980 and was a member of the Adams Lodge of Elks. Gene was a well-known former resident of Adams, where many locals thought he should run for Mayor. He was an honorary member of Adams Post 160 American Legion, where he volunteered for many of their events. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he was a member of the Adams Fall Run committee for its entire 35-year history. He participated in scores of motorcycle runs, and made several cross-country runs with his motorcycle buddies. He enjoyed traveling and his trip to Austria with his friend Don Sommer and loved the Alaskan cruise he took several years ago. He was renowned for his skill in auto body restoration and considered the restoration of his 1957 Chevy with his two sons his crowning achievement. He had won many trophies when he entered it in car shows. He enjoyed working on classic cars, mowing his lawn, spending time in Florida with his friend Ted Doktor, and spending time is his workshop with his friend Shaun Lescarbeau. He especially loved spending time with his grandson Chris. Gene is survived by his life partner, Debbie; his two sons, Jeffrey Rose and his partner, Dawn, of Savoy and Jason Rose and his wife, Shannon, of Adams; his grandson Christopher Rose of Adams; Debbie’s daughters Wendy Randall of Holden, MA and Jamie Randall of Savoy; his siblings Wilfred Rose and his wife Sue of Duxbury, MA; Norman Rose and his wife Martha of Peru, NY; Madeleine DeMarsico of North Adams; Gerald Rose and his wife Cindy of Windsor; Jeannine Rose of Adams and Pauline Green and her former husband Gary of Adams; his former wife, Loraine “Lollie” Rose of Adams; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Rose, in 2001. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd, at 9:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Monday, Jan. 2nd from 2 to 5 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Pop Cares, PO Box 482, Williamstown, MA 01267; or to Hospice Care in the Berkshires, 877 South St Pittsfield, MA 01201. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com