Eugene A. Damon, 86, died November 11, 2015 in Jacksonville, Fla. He was born June 25, 1929.

A native of New York, Gene was the son of a prominent attorney who spent his summers sailing up and down Long Island Sound enjoying the coast. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from New York University in 1950, eventually settling into a career in advertising for one of the largest agencies in Manhattan, representing the Fuller Brush Company.

Volkswagen was another company he represented and he played a major role in the introduction of the German company to the U.S. His big personality kept him in social circles and the super models of the day. Suzy Parker and Dorian Leigh were among the international business owners, dignitaries, and socialites he called friends.

Who else but Gene would have a last minute passport photo taken by, a then up and coming fashion photographer, Richard Avedon?

After moving from the city to his East Hampton weekend home, he began his real estate investments and never looked back. Drawn to a crumbling building in Sag Harbor, his renovations turned the property into what is now a thriving, iconic destination spot on Main Street. It was his entrepreneurial vision that kept him motivated, along with financial growth for the town. Westport, Connecticut was his next home where he acquired a circle of friends that would last for years.

Taking on the responsibility of caring for his ailing brother and relocating to Boothbay Harbor where he initially purchased Rittall's Boat Yard, Gene initiated renovations to the building that would eventually become home to Christopher's Boat House, a restaurant that still today brings back fond memories for past patrons. His love of the harbor inspired him to continue his acquisitions and renovations in hopes of facilitating growth and providing jobs for locals and seasonal residents.

The most notable acquisition was the building that was home to The Black Orchid. After extensive renovations, renaming the establishment, and creating the roof top deck, the Boathouse Bistro continues to be the most popular dining spot in town. While he discontinued operating the business himself, he retained the property.

Gene extended his footprint to Gardiner some years ago, purchasing downtown properties in the Historic District.

Gene served the community early in his residency, participating in committees and serving on boards, with focus on growth in the harbor. Most would agree that if you could get into his circle, you earned it. If there were feathers to ruffle, he was the one to do it unapologetically, and likely with good reason. For years he was an early morning staple at the YMCA, swimming laps and telling stories. “HotGene” and “HotBoy” were motorcycle and car tags he sported; no one was surprised.

As a former member of the Yacht Club, he loved sailing and he was easy to spot, thanks to his J-22, Hot Stuff .

He later purchased the property that he would rename Sur la Mer. At the time, it was a B&B that he continued to operate after moving in. Gene played the role of innkeeper, on his terms, which continues to make for great stories.

Gene eventually fled the winters to reside seasonally in Florida, recently relocating from Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville. The last couple of years he was happy in his retail shop, Nauticals!, on McKown Street. Tourists were drawn to his stories about the locals that only he could get away with telling. He had an impact on everyone who knew him. Gene was a little man with a big attitude … and heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org. Cremains will be interred at Green River Cemetery in East Hampton, N.Y. A Celebration of Life will be later scheduled for spring in Boothbay Harbor.

Gene was predeceased by: Joseph R Damico, father; Nuncia “Nan” Rao Damico, mother; Winfield F. Offutt, partner; Dawson B. Frock, partner; Joseph R. Damon, Jr, brother; Helen Watts, sister.

He is survived by his spouse, R Shane Riley.