Eugene was born to Cyrille and Emma Jean Thibeault in Woonsocket on November 18, 1909. The family lived on Gobeille Street next to the river. Eugene was the youngest of five children. When Gene was young the family moved to a 3rd floor flat on 327 Dulude Avenue, he lived here until his marriage to Marie Anne Orise Peloquin on June 8, 1935.
Gene began working in the mills at a very early age and soon found himself employed at the Falls Yarn Mill where he began working as bobbin boy. He rose steadily through the ranks and eventually became plant superintendent, a position he held until his retirement at the age of 72. He also served as President of the Industrial Trade Union in the late 1940's until the early 1950's. This time period was a particularly tough one for workers as many of the local mills either relocated or closed. Despite having little formal education Gene was extremely well read and for his entire life stood strong for human rights.
Gene and Anne Marie had two children, Jeannine Lea and Eugene Willie. Eugene was devoted to his wife and children and always maintained a very close relationship with his siblings and other members of his extended family. He was very fond of his in-laws, some of whom lived in St. Etienne de Bolton, Canada.
Eugene died in North Smithfield on June 17, 1989.