Eugene Earl Lagasse, 76, of Solon, passed away Friday February 17, 2017 after a brief illness at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. He was born November 29, 1940 in Madison, Maine, the son of Armand Lagasse Sr. and Evelyn (Lambert) Lagasse. Educated at Skowhegan schools, attended the University of New Haven, Eugene Lagasse was a hard worker all of his life. Along the way, Gene worked at Ma Bean’s Restaurant and Lyons Music Store in Skowhegan, Maine, the Auxiliary State of Connecticut Police Department and the Madison Connecticut Police Department. He realized his life-long dream of starting and growing a family run business. He was proud business owner of the Taylor Rental Centers in Branford and Orange, CT. Eugene was a charter member and past president of CARD (Connecticut Association of Rental Dealers) now known as ARA of CT (American Rental Association). Masonic affiliations: Madison Lodge #87 A.F. & A.M. Past Master, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Consistory, Past Patron of Olive Branch Chapter #87 O.E.S. and Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star of Connecticut. He was loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Gene enjoyed gardening, stock car racing, music, old Westerns, and working around his property. Patty and Gene were married for nearly 45 years. Gene is survived by his wife Patricia Larson Lagasse; sons, Kent, Bret (Karis), Matthew (Sarah), Timothy (Megan); four beautiful grandchildren, Grace, Eli, Jonathan and Alice all of Connecticut; brothers, Linwood (Shirley) of Mercer, ME, Donald (Claudette) of Killingworth, CT, and sisters, Audrey (Royal) Wentworth of Bolton, CT, Corinne Thurston of Madison, CT, Barbara West of Skowhegan, ME, Pauline Runnells of Canaan, ME, Janet (Roland) Cassidy of Bingham, ME and Judy (Larry) Ellis of Skowhegan, ME; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers Richard and Armand Jr. (Duffy) and sisters Brenda Malbon and Christine Lagasse. A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s memory to the American Heart Association at donatenow.heart.org or mail a donation to The Eastern Star Charity Foundation of Connecticut, Inc., Suzanne Dana, Secretary, 37 Paugassett TF., Darby, CT 06418