Richard E. Gagnon

Richard E. “Red” Gagnon, 74, of Westfield died Thursday in Baystate Medical Center. Red was born in Springfield the son of the late John E. Gagnon and his beloved mother Ruby of South Hadley. He grew up in Agawam and has lived in Westfield for the past 19 years. He owned and operated Commercial Disposal for many years, The Full Cycle Compost Facility and The Master Garbologist Company. He was a past President of the New England Chapter of the National Solid Waste Management Association. He also ran the “Cash for Trash” Tournament for many years at Shaker Farms County Club, fundraising for the Child & Family Services of Springfield. Red was an avid sports fan and 35-year season ticket holder for both the Red Sox and Springfield Indians/Falcons. He led and coached his own company softball team and was the team’s ace slow ball pitcher. Red was full of corny jokes that his kids, and colleagues, would just smile and shake their heads at. A very respectable businessman in the community for over 45 years, he was someone who would never shy away from lending a helping hand whether you knew him personally or as a business competitor. He leaves his four children Sharon Laferriere and her husband Donald of Belchertown, Scott of California; Michael and his wife Laura and Joyce Law and her husband Kurt of Southampton; his former wife and friend Maureen Gagnon; a brother Jonathon and his wife June of West Springfield; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A private funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, South Hadley. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CHD (Center for Human Development) 332 Bernie Avenue, Springfield, MA 01107.