Swan’s Island and Machias
A. Eugene “Gene” Jellison, 85, died on March 8, 2012. Gene was born on April 21, 1926, the son Almond E. and Rilla (Hennigar) Jellison, Sr.
An active member of the theater community, Gene participated in multiple theater groups and projects throughout his life. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and a Master of Arts degree from UCLA. He received multiple awards during his time at Colby College and after graduating served as director of the college’s drama department.
It was also at Colby College where Gene met his wife, Carolyn Bruning of Scarsdale, New York. Before moving to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s, Gene was widely known for his work with the Knox County Theatre Guild and the Waterville and Rockland community theater groups. After moving to the west coast, Gene became a member of the Santa Monica Theatre Guild, through which he directed many plays and won the Geoffrey Award four times. Gene served on the Guild’s board of directors for six years. Gene’s capacity for dramatic talent also enriched the lives of students at Santa Monica High School, where he taught for many years and greatly expanded the school’s drama department.
After retirement, Gene and Carolyn moved permanently to Maine where their passion for the dramatic arts continued. Gene will be remembered by residents of Swan’s Island and Machias for his great contributions to community theater. On Swan’s Island, Gene founded the Hockamock Players, a theater group which provided island residents and visitors with many memorable evenings of summer entertainment.
Gene is survived by daughters Katherine Rosenfeld, Rilla, Robin, and Francesca Jellison, son Paul Jellison, grandson Benjamin Rosenfeld, and niece Candis Joyce. Gene’s death followed not long after the deaths of his brother Richard and wife Carolyn, who died on January 1, 2012, and January 3, 2012, respectively.
The family suggests that those who desire may make contributions to the Hockamock Players, Swan’s Island, ME 04685.
A Service of Remembrance and family gathering commemorating, Carolyn and Gene’s lives will be held 1pm, Sunday, June 10, 2012 at their summer cottage on Swans Island, ME. The ferry leaves the dock in Bass Harbor, ME at 10:30am.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main Street, Mt. Desert, ME. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com