WEBSTER – Dr. Lionel L. Gagnon, 82, of 5 Negus St., died Sunday, June 4, at home after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Theresa R. (Smalarz) Gagnon; a son, David P. Gagnon of Webster; a daughter, Nancy R. Piekarczyk of Webster; a sister, Rita Bastek of Clinton, MD; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother Bernard Gagnon.
He was born in Southbridge, the son of Louis L. and Anna M. (Dubuc) Gagnon, and lived here 52 years. He graduated from Mary E. Wells High School in 1942 and the Penn State College of Optometry in 1951.
He was a decorated Army veteran of World War II, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation.
Dr. Gagnon was an optometrist for 43 years, retiring in 1995.
He was a member of Saint Louis Church, the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6055 in Southbridge. He was active at the Webster Senior Center. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Walpole. He was a co-founder of the Bay Path Archers in Southbridge.
A memorial Mass with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 17, at 10:00 AM in St. Louis Church, 14 Lake St. Burial will be in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. There are no calling hours. Masses may be offered for his soul or donations made to a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street.