Eugene Edwin Lakso, 81, Was Oak Bluffs Resident

Eugene Edwin Lakso died peacefully May 1 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs. He was 81.

Eugene was born in Fitchburg and attended Fitchburg High School. After graduating he served in the U.S. Navy for four years during World War II. He was graduated from Yale University in 1946 with a degree in mechanical engineering and music.

Eugene was owner and president of Lakso Company - a pharmaceutical packaging company established by his father, Eino Lakso - in Leominster for 30 years. Eugene was also president of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute. He traveled abroad to promote sales and public relations.

Eugene and his wife, June, were married for 60 years. They attended the same grammar school and high school. They lived in Fitchburg and Ashburnham, where they raised a family of five children. They retired to the Vineyard and lived in the Camp Ground and on East Chop in Oak Bluffs. He spent time sailing the Vineyard waters in his boat, the Serenity.

Eugene was an accomplished pianist. He played in the Martha's Vineyard Swing Band. He also played privately at many Island functions. Eugene was considered a legend in the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) community. He always looked forward to seeing his friends at the meetings. He had many words of wisdom to share.

He is survived by his wife, June, and his five children, Dagmar Fichtel, Julie Brillhart, Eric Lakso, Christine Wirtanen and Mathew Lakso; his eight grandchildren, Jenny, Jake, Hannah, Julie, Elizabeth, Seth, Olivia and Rachel, and his great-granddaughter, Bailie Gene.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Trinity Methodist Church on the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs. A reception will follow at the parish hall.

Donations in Eugene's memory can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 Northwest Ninth avenue/ Bob Hope Road, Miami, FL 33136.