Robert Gagnon

HOLYOKE

Robert Gagnon passed away on September 9^th with the loving support of his family by his side. Born in Holyoke to Cecile (Morin) and Ernest Gagnon; he was an only child. He was a lifelong resident of Holyoke, growing up in the Battleships as a child, and later raising his family in the Highlands. 

On April 12^th, 1969, after dating for nine years, Bob married his longtime sweetheart and best friend, Jeanne Lillian (Quesnel); they recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in April of 2019. Together they raised three wonderful children- two sons, Brian and Todd, and one daughter, Kristen.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his son, Todd, whom he missed deeply and profoundly for the last 26 years. Besides Jeanne, his wife of 51 years,  he is survived by his son, Brian Gagnon of Medway, and his wife Alyssa, along with their three children Noah, Madeline, and Max. Additionally he is survived by his daughter Kristen Boisselle of Leominster, and her husband, Kenneth, along with their two daughters, Adalie and Baya.

He was known for his kind and generous spirit, his plethora of silly “dad jokes,” and for being a great listener, advice giver and problem solver. He never missed one of his children’s soccer or baseball games, often leaving work to catch them, finishing his work afterwards. He would do anything for his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and anyone else in need, often going above and beyond, and always asking “What do you need?” or “How can I help you?”

Bob graduated from Saint Jerome/Holyoke Catholic High School in 1963. He received his associate degree in general science studies from Holyoke Community College, and later graduated with his bachelor’s degree in general studies/chemistry from Westfield State College in 1980. Always a dedicated and hard worker, he was able to juggle working multiple jobs while attending school and raising his three children. He worked various jobs as a chemical technician/engineer, and purchasing manager in many settings including Technifax, James River Graphics, Cookson Graphics, Anitec Printing/Kodak, Sunshine Art Studios, and Savage Arms, where he ultimately retired.  He was also known as the “tax man,” assisting hundreds of friends and families with their taxes yearly for over 35+ years. For multiple years, he also belonged to APICS, the Holyoke Management Group, and multiple purchasing and quality control groups for professional growth, as well as the Knights of Columbus. 

Bob was a lover of old black and white movies and the Three Stooges; he could often be found watching the Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots as well. He enjoyed country music, especially Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. He was an avid reader who enjoyed Sherlock Holmes mysteries, reading about the Knights Templar and anything related to science.

Bob stated that in his life, his “greatest accomplishment was marrying Jeanne, my (his) amazing wife.”  He also affirmed that he was “most proud about raising such great kids.” The happiest days of his life were the “days when my (his) children and grandchildren were born.” And he always told them, “I will love you more than you will ever know.”

The entire Gagnon family is especially grateful to all the devoted and caring staff at Sterling Village, especially Rachael and Phillip (amongst many others!), as well as the caretakers at the Holyoke VNA, specifically nurses Steve and Elizabeth, who always went above and beyond in their care for Bob.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to:  Todd Gagnon Memorial Scholarship Fund at Pope Francis Preparatory School, 99 Wendover Road, Springfield MA 01118, or Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.  Services for Robert will be private and for immediate family only due to COVID-19 restrictions at this time. Barry J. Farrell Funeral is handling arrangements.

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