Samuel J. Gagnon

BOONVILLE - Samuel J. Gagnon, 77, passed away on Thursday evening, February 12, 2026 at his home under the care of Hospice and his loving family.

He was born at Faxton Hospital in Utica on July 18, 1948, the son of the late Henry and Marjorie Benton Gagnon. Sam grew up on the Gorge Road and Cady Hill Road, Hennesseylping on the family farm. As he grew older he began a trash pickup run in the area. Sam was a Boy Scout and also an altar boy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Boonville. He graduated from Boonville High School with the class of 1967 where he participated in football, wrestling, baseball, and in the school band, playing the saxophone and trumpet. Sam furthered his education at Cornell University, studying computer science.

On May 31, 1975, he married the love of his life, Linda Williams. The couple settled in the local area for a time before moving to Avon, New York, for a few years. They later moved back to their current home. Sam drove school bus for the ARC, sold firewood, and was a 19A examiner, proctoring school bus driver exams. He also worked as a mental health therapy aid for several years at Marcy State Hospital.

He enjoyed model airplanes, airplanes, listening to his favorite radio shows, fishing, family get-togethers, and baseball. Sam actually tried out and made the team for the Atlanta Braves professional baseball team, but was drafted and had to decline the opportunity.

Sam was a faithful member of the Boonville Alliance Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda; six children, David (Andrea) Gagnon, Sarah (Jason) Swartfiguer, Susan (Christopher) Cacheux, Marjorie (Joshua) Russett, Elizabeth (Steve) Fox, and Andrew (Brianda) Gagnon; 23 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. Sam was predeceased by three sisters, Marjorie Fuller, June Jakubowski, and Grace Scholefield.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Boonville Alliance Church with Pastor David Hedeen officiating. Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church before the funeral on Wednesday. A reception will follow the funeral at the Global Methodist Church, 202 Main Street, Boonville. Burial will be in Talcottville Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Boonville.

Contributions in Sam's name may be made to the Boonville Alliance Church, 12593 Potato Hill Road, Boonville, NY 13309.

For an online message of sympathy, you may go to www.millsfuneralhomes.com.