Eugene "Gene" T. Lakin's Obituary
Gene Lakin, 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026. Born July 6, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Harry and Dora Lakin, Gene lived a full life shaped by service, hard work, and a deep love for his family.
Gene proudly served in the United States Army in the years between the Korean and Vietnam wars, stationed in Okinawa, and often shared stories from his time there. He went on to build his career in Massachusetts as a dedicated teacher in Sturbridge and the longtime owner of Gene's Ice Cream Truck on Nantasket Beach — a beloved summer fixture where generations of beachgoers grew up knowing him by name.
The great companion of Gene's later years was his wife, Terri, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years of marriage. Together they filled their home with laughter, good food, and travel, and Gene embraced Terri's children and grandchildren wholeheartedly as his own. He was an avid fisherman and a devoted traveler who especially loved cruises. He had a particular fondness for kippers and held the unofficial family title of slowest eater of lobsters.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Terri Lakin; his stepsons, Andrew Barenberg (Cheryl), Jeff Barenberg (Marian), and Paul Barenberg; his stepdaughters, Joy Barenberg and Martha McCabe (Brian); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his nephew, Laurence Francer (Jerome Herron); his niece, Beth Francer Napurano (Chris Napurano); and his great-nephews, Harrison and Benjamin Wurth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Dora Lakin; his sister, Shirley Francer; his brother-in-law, Sydney Francer; and his niece, Sharon Francer.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida, 33449 for a military funeral service.
Those unable to attend in person are invited to join the service virtually:
Link: https://www.shiva.com/5drn46mp
Viewneral ID: 927 3216 4161
Password: 424008
Dial-in (US): +1 669 219 2599 or +1 646 518 9805
Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to gather at the family home for shiva in remembrance of Gene. All are welcome.
Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700.
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