Gene Lawrence Straight

Gene Lawrence Straight of Naples Park passed away after a mighty battle with cancer on 11/10/17. Gene was originally from Dunkirk, New York, moved to Buffalo and then Troy to pursue his professional career in Radiology and retired to Naples in 2004. Gene is survived by his wife, Maureen, sons, Darryl (Michele) and Brian (Meghan), three grandchildren Quinn, Aaron and Reese, and a brother Lee Straight.  Gene is also survived by members of his BML family of brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews, and life-long friends whom he welcomed to the "barn' every year and to whom he became hugely important.

 Gene began his 41-year career in Dunkirk, graduating from Brooks Memorial Hospital School of Radiology. He moved to Buffalo to pursue that profession in special procedures at Children's Hospital, where he introduced the new concept of integrating a nurse into Radiology to monitor all patients with special procedures. He extended his influence through teaching at Erie County Community College. Moving to Troy NY, he developed his professional expertise in MRI and CAT scans, eventually starting his own imaging company that provided professional services to Southern Vermont Medical Center. He pioneered collaboration among all of the area hospital radiology departments, instituting a monthly meeting of all managers to provide best practice to patients.   Throughout all of the moves Gene remained an active member of the Dunkirk "Clarion" gang since his High School graduation in 1961 attending all of the reunions possible.

Gene enjoyed dancing, riding his motorcycle, boating, camping and photography. Above all, he loved the beach and retired to Naples to pursue that hobby in 2004. He worked for Nature Recreational management at Delnore Wiggins State Park and Lovers Key as a "beach accessory coordinator'. He was active in his community, a member of Naples CERT and a board member of Naples Park Area Association

His family would like to thank the 4 South and ICU staff of Baker NCH as well as his nieces and nephews who tenderly cared for him.

His easy smile, quick wit and generous nature will be missed by all whom he touched in his life of 74 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the FIRST foundation: http://www.firstskinfoundation.org in Gene's name for education and research into the genetic skin disorder of Ichthyosis.

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