Thomas R. Gagnon

He was the husband of Karen (Fonseca) Gagnon, the son of the late Roland and Margaret (Lambert) Gagnon, father of Matthew T. Gagnon of Boston, brother of Mary Beth Sullivan and her husband Roger of Fall River and uncle to many nephews and nieces.

A graduate of Bishop Connolly High School, Tom attended Providence College. He began his career at Fall River Gas in 1986, retiring with National Grid. The highlight of his career was his time as the Fall River Gas Education Coordinator, when he affectionately became known as the “Gas Man.”

Tom devoted much of his time and energy to the children of Fall River. For nearly twenty years, Coach Gags managed teams in the Flint Junior Twi-Light Baseball League. Tom was also one of the “Founding Fathers” of youth football in Fall River, coaching and serving on the board of the Fall River Falcons Football and Cheerleading League for many years. He was proud to have participated in Fall River Celebrates America, working hard to ensure that enough money was raised so that every child could afford to play football and cheer.

An active member of the Kiwanis Club, Tom served as the club’s president from 2000-2002. Tom was also a long-time member of the Boys Club, as well as the New Bedford Rod and Gun Club. Among his many accomplishments, Tom was recognized by the Fall River Chamber of Commerce & Industry for outstanding community service in 1996, and was president of the Fall River Gridiron Club for many years. A man of faith, Tom received the Marian Award from the Diocese of Fall River in 2015 and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Gags was always known for his quick-witted one-liners and smart comments that kept everyone laughing. A longtime patron of Billy’s Cafe, his humor always entertained-especially on their bus trips to Fenway Park.

Most importantly, Tom was always willing to help others, no matter the task, and had immense love for his family and friends.

His Funeral will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 8:30AM from the Waring Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardner’s Neck Rd., Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, www.KidneyFund.org. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.