David E. Gagnon

Wickford - David E. Gagnon of Wickford passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025 after 87 wonderful years.

David possessed a strong belief in devoting his life to service, which manifested in the dedication he showed towards improving maternal and infant healthcare, both in the United States and around the world. After serving as Vice President of Women and Infants Hospital, he developed the National Perinatal Information Center to improve perinatal health through data analysis, research, and education. Always a global thinker and a humanitarian, David also took teams of doctors and nurses to Albania, Armenia, Kazakhstan, China, Russia and Slovakia to establish clinics and train medical personnel. It's impossible to measure the impact he made on the world; how many women and babies were helped by his deep commitment.

Everyone who knew David understood that family was always the center of his world. He was a phenomenal father and grandfather ("Pepe"). He never missed a father/daughter dance, recital, sporting event, or anything else that was important to his children, and later his grandchildren. David leaves his wife of 54 years, Eva, as well as his daughters Michelle (Kirk Rudell), Adrienne (Manuel Cordero) and Kate (Alberto Malagon Leon.) His grandchildren Taegan, Mateo, Lilian and Finn filled his heart beyond the brim. He also leaves his sister, Denise Gagnon, and many nieces and nephews.

David was brilliant. He was funny and fun. He loved to tell stories and laugh. He had a kind, gentle, and generous soul. Most of all, he was truly beloved, and he will be so very deeply missed.

Before he left, David told everyone to look for him in the Orion Constellation. He said, "You'll know it's me because I'll be twinkling at you." He assured us he'll be there whenever we need him.

Celebration of life will be held at Westminster Unitarian Church at 11am on October 4th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders or RI CASA in David's memory.