Eugene J. Fleck

Eugene J. Fleck, 95, of Gardner died peacefully, surrounded by family, at Athol Hospital on Friday, July 24, 2026. He will be sadly missed by his son Jamie Fleck and his wife Jayne of East Templeton; his daughter Susan DiPasquale of Phillipston; and his grandchildren Tracy, Scott, Patrick, Tyler, and Marcus. He also leaves behind two nieces that he helped raise, Rita and Maria. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years, Doris (Arsenault) Fleck. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, Mark DiPasquale; siblings: Ethel, Leroy, Earl, Alfred, Joanne, and Lucille.

Gene was born in Townsend, MA, on June 29, 1931, to Leander and Grace (Carey) Fleck. He was a Corporal in the Army serving in Korea from 1952 to 1954. Receiving the Korean service medal with two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After returning from Korea, Gene worked as a mechanic for various businesses until he opened Gene’s Service Center Inc. in 1959, which he still went to every day up until three weeks ago. Gene taught a course on basic automotive maintenance at Mount Wachusett Community College. At the garage, he was known as The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Having worked by his father’s side for 50 years, his son Jamie continues to operate the family business. He is a life member of the VFW Post 905 and the American Legion. In his younger years, Gene enjoyed racing cars and playing softball. Later, he enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles and watching the Red Sox and Patriots. Throughout the years, Gene’s Service Center sponsored several Gardner Sports teams, which won multiple championships.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service for Eugene on Thursday July 30 at 11 AM at the Massachsuetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Athol Hospital for their compassion and for taking care of him in his final days.