Ernest J. “Ernie” Gaines, 98, a lifelong resident of Derry, NH, died Sunday, February 10, 2008 in the Pleasant Valley Nursing Center, Derry. Mr. Gaines was born in Londonderry, NH on August 20, 1909, a son of the late George and Beatrice (Ashford) Gagne. Mr. Gaines devoted his life to the municipality. He was the first Lieutenant in the Derry Police Dept. and was also the dog officer. He served as a two-term selectman in Derry. He later worked as a bail bondsman until he was 83 years old. Mr. Gaines spent his winters in Florida for the past 20 years. He was a member of the retired police organization. In his retirement he enjoyed making and selling birdhouses.
He is survived by a son, James Gaines of Newburyport, MA, a daughter, Fran Salomone and her husband Gerald of Derry, four grandchildren, Melinda Salomone-Abood of Sandown, NH, Geralynn Salomone of Derry, James Gaines, Jr. of Newburyport, MA, Michael Gaines of Melbourne, FL, two great-grandchildren, Coryn and Connor Abood, and also by three sisters, Gertrude Eaton of Litchfield, NH and Gloria Myrdek and Phyllis Dunham, both of Manchester, NH. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and many close friends. He was predeceased by his wife Amy L. (Tilton) Gaines in 1989.
Visiting hours were held 4-8pm Thursday, February 14, 2008 in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services were held on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 10:00am in the funeral home. The burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery, Derry.