Rene Gagnon

Rene Gagnon (85), a devout Catholic, dedicated husband, and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2022 at Health Alliance Clinton Hospital Leominster.

Born in MacDougall, NB Canada on June 29, 1937, Rene was the son of the late Louis de Gonzague and Antonia (Poirier) Gagnon. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1953. He proudly served in the Massachusetts National Guard and worked at Rand-Whitney 47 years before he retired in 2001. He faithfully attended Holy Family of Nazareth Parish and was an active member of the men’s prayer group.

Rene leaves behind the love of his life Phyllis (Benton) Gagnon. Rene and Phyllis were married at Our Lady of the Lake in Leominster in 1960 and had four children together. They spent many summers enjoying their riverside cottage in Richibucto, NB, Canada with family and friends, playing cards and cribbage and canoeing on the river. His passing came just before they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by his children. Paul and wife Donna of Melbourne, FL. Gregory and wife Susan of Templeton. Laurie Hamel and her partner Brian Cullen of Ayer and Jennifer and husband Justin Tocci of North Richland Hills, TX.

Besides his wife and children Rene leaves one brother, Bernard Ward of Kimberly, BC Canada and two sisters, Jacqueline Laclair of Richford, VT and Simone LaRocque of Manchester, CT and 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Rene was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Guy and Victor Gagnon and his sister Justine Bracani.

He was an avid fan of all Boston professional sports teams and was a New England Patriots season ticket holder for many seasons.

Rene was well loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his passing will be felt by many, especially his family and close friends.

Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family of Nazareth Parish, 750 Union St., Leominster on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Leo’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Holy Family of Nazareth Parish, 750 Union St., Leominster, MA 01453.

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