Gene Michael Kilmer passed from this Earth after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Gene was born on Valentine’s Day in 1955, the son of Donald and Eleanor McDonald Kilmer. He spent his youth on End Valley Farm in Hamden.
A 1973 Walton Central School graduate, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1974. He qualified in nuclear power school in Groton, Conn. His last duty assignment was aboard the nuclear submarine USS Alexander Hamilton as a nuclear power operator. He was honorably discharged after serving eight years. Nuclear power took him to Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and California although he yearned to return to the farm he was raised on, to smell the apple blossoms in the spring, and drink the pure spring water that flows from the hillside following retirement.
Gene had many hobbies over the years including pottery, genealogy, cooking, photography, and reading. As a boy he spent many days digging for American Indian artifacts at the farm and pedaling his bike all over the area. He could be described as a wanderer and a dreamer.
Gene is survived by his son Connor Kilmer of Syracuse, and daughters Megan Jean Russell Kilmer and Amber Rappozo, both of California. He was proud Papa to Braeden and Graysen Rappozo, and Quincy, Jaime Violet, and Soren Russell Kilmer. He is survived by brothers Wayne, Ryan, and Lynn, all of Hamden, sisters Sharon Nagel of Walton, Loretta Foster of Hamden, Joanne Forry of South Carolina.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Linda Shackleton.
He descends from a long line of veterans including Revolutionary War soldiers John Brant and Isaac Goodrich whose descendants settled in Hamden in the early 1800s. His great-grandparents, John and Mary Brant McDonald, settled on the family farm in 1882 where it remains in the family to this day.
Gene’s wish was to have his ashes buried at sea. There will be no calling hours. A memorial party will be held in August on the family farm.
Courtney Funeral Home is coordinating online condolences. Messages may be left at courtneyfh.com
Memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be made to the Hamden Schoolhouse Museum.
