Roger William Gagne Jr.

Born in New York City on May 6, 1942, Roger was the only son of Roger Willy Gagne Sr. and Nancy Krokene. He spent most of his childhood in Nashua, New Hampshire, and graduated from Lowell Technological Institute with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Soon after graduation, Roger accepted a position with the Atomic Energy Commission (now the U.S. Department of Energy), beginning a remarkable career dedicated to serving his country.

Early in his career, Roger worked on a special project with NASA that brought him to Cleveland, Ohio, where he met Patricia “Pat” Shaughnessy. They fell in love and were married. Following the completion of the NASA project in 1969, Roger and Pat relocated to Maryland, where Roger continued his career at the Atomic Energy Commission headquarters in Germantown. Together they raised two sons, Roger “Chip” Gagne and Daniel “Dan” Gagne.

Over the course of a distinguished career in the federal government, Roger made significant contributions to the nation’s nuclear energy and national security programs. In addition to helping oversee the enrichment of uranium to support the nation’s defense, he worked on several groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of a nuclear-powered rocket. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Roger traveled to the Soviet Union to help negotiate the historic Megatons to Megawatts agreement, through which 500 metric tons of highly enriched Soviet weapons-grade uranium were converted into low-enriched reactor fuel to generate electricity in the United States. His work helped transform former weapons material into a peaceful source of energy and remains one of the defining achievements of his career.

After leaving federal service, Roger continued his professional career with the United States Enrichment Corporation before retiring in 2005. Retirement gave him more time to spend with his family and to volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County, reflecting his lifelong compassion for animals.

It was around this time that Roger was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although the disease gradually limited his mobility, it never diminished his spirit. He faced every challenge with quiet strength, grace, and resilience, rarely complaining and continuing to find joy in the people and things he loved.

Roger passed away peacefully, surrounded by his two sons. He was predeceased in 2024 by his wife of 57 years. He will be remembered for his intelligence, humility, unwavering dedication to public service, and deep love for his family. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County or your local no kill animal shelter in Roger’s honor.