ROCKLAND – Ronald E. ‘Gene’ Preston, 81, died peacefully with his son and his companion at his side, Friday, July 4, 2014 at Windward Gardens Nursing Home in Camden. Born in Lubec, 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 4 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 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, Todd Preston and Michaela Preston both of Rockland; and many nieces and nephews, including one special niece Renee Adkins Roman 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 at 1:00 PM, Friday, July 11, 2014 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. The Reverend Richard Catalano will officiate. Interment will follow at Sea View Cemetery, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Gene’s family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.