Eugene F. Thober was born December 9, l928 in Elmore, OH to loving parents, the Reverend A. C. And Anna Thober. On a family vacation to New England in the late 1930’s, he announced to them that one day he would live in Marblehead, MA, drawn to the water from his time spent mastering his sailing skills on Lake Erie and working in boat yards. He was a devoted lifetime fan of the Cleveland Indians, actually traveling by train from Toledo to Cleveland for the 1948 World Series, a thrill he never forgot.
Hometown girl, Carolyn Willett, stole his heart on their very first date at the Elmore Junior Prom.
They were married September 30, 1950 in a service officiated by Gene’s father. In 1953 the young couple and their first born left the embrace of close family to start a new life in Marblehead. Gene was vibrant, accomplished, self-made, an avid weather watcher and ever helpful to family and friends in need. He started Thober Marine in the early 50’s and moved on to owning two service stations in Revere and eventually created Yankee Gas and Oil. He was a strong support for his sons Paul and Gary in the opening of the Weathervane Tavern in Hamilton in 1980 and Park Place of Beverly in 1984. He never felt more at home than he did at the restaurant where he was always greeted with warmth. The staff and devoted Weathervane customers cheered him always. We thank you all.
Gene’s love of Marblehead only grew and the hours spent sailing and racing one design boats were his reward for a life well lived. Sailing was year round for Gene, in the winter he could be found racing his Interclub Dinghy (named Brr) with Carolyn along as crew. He was a founding member of the Marblehead Frostbite Association. In later life, he took up golf and strove to become “a great striker of the ball”.
Among his many interests were racing his model sailboats on Redd’s Pond, Chelsea Clocks and vintage firearms. He was well-versed and incredibly knowledgeable on each subject.
Gene loved his family and community as well as his church and was actively involved in each. He made time to coach young hockey players and encourage every young person he met. He was always cheerful, even when his body began to fail him. He taught us that success lives within the person and if you followed a careful path, measuring twice, cutting once, you would succeed. He wrote the book on stubborn. It would take an act of Congress and Henry Kissinger to get him to change his mind, let alone admit he was ever wrong!
He was “Uncle Gene” to many who always knew he could be counted on. The greatest compliment you could ever receive was when he called you “special”, and when said, it was truly meant. His nieces and nephews, close family friends and his best friend Dr. Louis Pocharski (Nancy) were “special” to him. Deeply appreciated were their calls and visits during his final months.
Sorry Gene, you are not here to argue so we finally win one. You were the “special” one and we love and miss you.
Eugene F. Thober died January 12, 2020 and was laid to rest beside his very best friend and lifetime partner, Carolyn, at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead, MA. He leaves behind son, Gary (Oona O’Neill) of Gloucester and son Paul, (Kristin Helve) of Ipswich. Memorial contributions may be made to The Mission Fund, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 478 Boston Street, Topsfield, MA 01983
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