Eugene J. Cloutier

Eugene “Gene” Joseph Cloutier, 87, peacefully entered heaven on December 9, 2025. Gene was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 6, 1938 to Albert and Anna (Jahnke) and lived a life defined by strength, steadfast devotion and a deep commitment to those he loved.

In 1956, Gene joined the United States Marine Corps and completed boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He then received additional training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before being transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California where he served as a Crew Chief, overseeing aircraft maintenance and flight-line operations in support of training and operational readiness. His love for the Marines and his country was a steady force throughout his life.

Gene was a lifelong learner who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato State College in Minnesota and a Master of Science degree from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He continued at Seton Hall, completing an additional 36 graduate credits in Educational Administration and Supervision. Gene dedicated his professional career to education, serving as a Social Studies teacher in the Newark, New Jersey school system before working as a high school administrator, guiding and supporting students while helping maintain a safe and positive learning environment. During those years, Gene developed everlasting bonds with his fellow teachers - grounded in loyalty, humor and shared experiences.

Gene and his wife Kathy settled down in Rockaway Township, New Jersey where he devoted his time to his family and community. He was a member of the Rockaway Township Recreation Commission and a Parochial School Board member. During the summers he served as a supervisor for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, a youth employment program that offered young people meaningful work opportunities, job training and skills development. He coached basketball at his daughter’s middle school, sharing his love of the game through his encouragement and patience. He was also his daughters’ biggest cheerleader - sitting in the bleachers, on the sidelines or in the audience of every game or recital Kathleen and Laura ever played or danced in.

Winter, spring, summer or fall - Gene could always be found on the golf course. Golf was one of his great passions - snow or frigid temperatures couldn’t stop him and his friends from hitting the links in New Jersey. He loved the camaraderie and the challenge of the game and fulfilled his dream of retiring on a golf course in Little River, South Carolina. He was a member of several golf leagues, and his three holes-in-one were highlights of his game.

Gene enjoyed his Friday night poker games with his Rockaway buddies and was an avid reader who always had a book (or three) in progress. He loved cars, especially the three Mustangs he owned. Gene was a devoted sports fan whose man cave was filled with memorabilia reflecting his die-hard love for the Minnesota Vikings and the Boston Red Sox. He also was a music aficionado and had a large collection of music including every release from his favorite artist, Frank Sinatra.

Gene is survived by his best friend and beloved wife Kathy (Murphy) with whom he shared 55 years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering, unconditional love. They enjoyed many adventures, big and small, and cherished everyday moments. Their marriage and love were truly special. He leaves behind his daughters, Kathleen Dec and her husband Walter; Laura Caccamise and her husband Kevin; and his cherished grandchildren, Kevin, Waverly, and Maya Caccamise, who filled his heart with joy and made his eyes light up every time he saw them. He also leaves behind the many great friends he made during his lifetime and family members whom he loved - sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins. Gene is reunited in heaven with his mother, father and his sister, Max Cory, and her husband Stan.

Gene’s family knew him as a superhero and felt truly blessed he overcame the many health challenges he faced over the years. He will be remembered for his humor, incredible strength, guidance, advice, generous heart, awe-inspiring memory and the enduring legacy of love he leaves behind. We celebrate his life with immense gratitude, as he was one-in-a-billion.

A Mass will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea, North Myrtle Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.