ROCKLAND – Ronald E. “Gene” Preston, 81, died peacefully July 4, 2014, with his son and his companion at his side, at Windward Gardens Nursing Home in Camden.

Born in Lubec on June 22, 1933, he was the son of Arthur and Amy Newman Preston. Moving to Rockland as a young boy, Gene attended Rockland Schools.

Enlisting in the U.S. Army, Gene was stationed overseas during the Korean War. While serving his four year tour, Gene received a Purple Heart, a Medal of Honor and four Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

Returning to Rockland he was employed with O'Hara's for many years.

Gene was an avid reader and his son remembers him as a bookworm, who read quickly and often. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time at Owls Head Lobster Company sitting at the wharf every chance he got and he always had a joke to tell.

Predeceased by five siblings, Arthur, Danny, Alison, Josephine and Abby; and a son-in-law, Ronald Hutchins; Gene is survived by his son, Shane Preston and his companion, Asa Robbins, of Belfast; his daughter, Michelle St. Pierre of Rockland; his brother, Myron Preston of Warren; three grandchildren, Christopher Burns of Waldoboro, and Todd Preston and Michaela Preston, both of Rockland; and many nieces and nephews, including one special niece, Renee Adkins Roman and her husband, Jeff Roman, and their children, who he spent so much time with, Nicholas, Tyler and Kayla Adkins, Brianna Adkins Bowman, Jacob Adkins; as well as great nieces and nephews, Aubrianna, Chloe, Blake, and Aleah Adkins, and Laiken Adkins Oliver.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, July 11 at 1 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. Richard Catalano will officiate. Interment will follow at Sea View Cemetery in Rockland.