Mr. Joseph A. Gagnon Jr.

1923 -2010

Joseph A. Gagnon, Jr., 87, of Auburn, died September 14, 2010, at St. Mary s Hospital with his four girls and beloved son-in-law by his side. He was born in Auburn on August 31, 1923, the son of Joseph Arthur Gagnon (Lewiston Joe) and Fredeline Lefebvre Gagnon. He attended Edward Little High School. Joe joined the U. S. Army in 1943 serving in Normandy and proudly at the Battle of the Bulge. On February 9, 1946 in Portsmouth, NH, he married the love of his life, Cecile Therese Desjardins of Lewiston, and they made their home in the family neighborhood at Auburn Plains. In his early years he was a pitcher for various local baseball teams. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He loved to tell stories about the good old days as a country boy making mischief with his brothers, cousins and friends. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 33 years as Superintendent of die makers for Eastern Die of Auburn. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed. Besides his loving wife of 64 years, survivors include three daughters, Suzanne Gregoire of Auburn; Paulette Russell of Auburn and Roland Russell; and Kathleen and husband Richard Gielarowski of Monmouth; sisters Lorraine Caron of Auburn, and Ella (Midgie) Nolin of Waldorf, Maryland; 5 grandchildren, Michelle and husband Jimmy Ray King; David; Jennifer; Leah Gielarowski and Shaun Staples: Anna and husband Aaron Ouellette; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Mason, Logan, Gage, and step-great-grandchildren Timothy, and Emily; many nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by 4 sisters, Fredalena Bassett, Bella Marie Butcher, Kilda Gagnon, Muriel Keenan; and 4 brothers, Raymond, Robert, Henry and Adolph (Sonny). The family deeply thanks Dr. Seth Gordon for providing tremendous comfort (even though a Yankee fan!); and the St. Mary’s Hospital ICCU and Emergency Room staffs for their gentle assistance.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Gagnon

family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Visitation The Fortin Group / Auburn Friday 3 to 7 Pm. A celebration of Joseph's life will be held at the funeral Saturday at 12:00 noon. In Mr. Gagnon's memory donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter 170 US Route 1, Suite 250 Falmouth, ME 04105. A service of The Fortin Group / Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 783-8545.