Rodolph P. ”Rudy” Gagnon, age 72, died Monday at his home in Salem, NH.
He was born in Lewiston, ME, where he grew up and attended schools and graduated from Greeley Institute in Cumberland, ME. He later attended post secondary schools in Maine and Ohio State.
Rudy was the son of the late Alvarez M. and Sylvette (Boulay) Gagnon Peterson. He was a resident of Salem for the past 20 years, formerly of Windham, ME.
Rudy was a real American success story. He worked for Brockway-Smith Company for 40 years in Andover, MA and Portland, ME, starting in the warehouse and as a truck driver working his way up to the position of President and CEO of the company.
While living in Maine, Rudy was very involved in the community of Windham, where he served on the planning board, several building committees and was a member of the Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce and the Maine and US Chamber of Commerce.
He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Blue Lodge-Presump-Scot Windham & Scottish Right Bodies, Valley of Portland, ME, a charter member and second President of the Windham Lions Club and member of the Windham Kiwanis.
Rudy served his country during the Korean War as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. He later vacated his commission to MSGT to work full time as an Administrative Specialist for the MEARNG & the Maine Adj. Generals Department.
Rudy was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time at his home and with his family very much.
He was a former member of the United Church of Christ-Congregationalist in Maine and was a loving & devoted husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his Wife: Beverly (Blanchard) Gagnon of Salem, NH
2 Sons: Robert A. Gagnon of Windham, ME
Peter R. & his Wife Kelly Gagnon of Gorham, NH
2 Daughters:
Cheryl A. Skillin & her significant other Darryl Duchaine of Windham, ME
Brenda L. & her Husband Dennis Langlais of East Freetown, MA
Stepfather: Richard C. Peterson of Cumberland, Maine
2 Brothers: Roger A. Peterson of California
Thomas J. Peterson of Cumberland, ME
Step Brother: David Peterson of Maine
2 Grandchildren: Matthew Gagnon & Nathan Langlais
Several Nieces & Nephews
Private Graveside Services and Burial will be held at the Blanchard Cemetery, Falmouth, ME. There are no Calling Hours.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Beacon Hospice & Interim Health Care for all the help and compassion.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Foundation, 529 Main Street, Suite 101, Boston, MA, 02129 or to the Salem Boys & Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH, or to the charity of ones choice.