Robert Ronald Gagnon

EAST ORLAND - Robert Ronald Gagnon, 78, passed away peacefully at home on April 30th, 2014, surrounded by his children and loved ones. He was born August 29, 1935, in Livermore Falls, the last of eight children of Onesime and Rosa Gagnon.

He was baptized at St. Rose of Lima in Jay on September 1st, 1935. He had his Confirmation into the Catholic Church on September 22, 1946. That faith would turn into a deep foundation for his entire life, defining everything that he was. After graduating from Livermore Falls High School in 1953, he attended Farmington State Teacher's College for two years, before marrying Annette Pomerleau on May 25th, 1957. They would go on to have three children. After moving to California, Robert was inducted into the Army on June 26th, 1958, serving his country as his brothers had done before him. After returning from his time in the military, he began his career in banking at Security Pacific Bank, where he would eventually rise to become a Senior Vice President. He spent the next thirty years in the industry at various banks in both California and Maine. He remarried on November 19, 1977, to Diann Knutson, and they would go on to have one child, eventually moving back to Maine in 1984. Everyone around him was impacted by his warm personality, love and zest for life, the lessons he taught, the never-ending but always charming stories he told, and his devotion to helping friends and family. Known affectionately as "Pépère" and "Uncle Bob" to virtually everyone and his family, he leaves a hole that can never be filled by anyone. Universally beloved by his family and friends, he is survived by his sister Rita Fuller of Jay; four children, Cindy Gagnon of CA., Mark Gagnon of CA., Christina Foster and her husband Mike of Gray; and Matthew Gagnon and his wife Erin of VA, two step-children, Erin Smith of Carmel and Wendy Neito and husband Michael of CA., as well as grandchildren, Michael, Annabell, Amelia, Alec and Colleen, and his partner of fourteen years, Sue Violette.

Those wishing to pay their respects may visit Finley's Funeral Home, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls on Wednesday, May 7th from 6 PM to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM on Thursday, May 8th at St. Rose of Lima, 1 Church Street, Jay, Maine. Interment Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine. In lieu of flowers, if desired contributions may be made to a charity close to Robert's heart, the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, PO Box 1407, Gray, ME, 04039. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.