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Stephen Thomas Gagnon
Stephen Thomas Gagnon
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Born September 18, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, Steve grew up in Dayton, Lima, Mansfield and Wooster, Ohio, where he attended Wooster High School and met his future wife, Sandra. He graduated from Wooster High School in 1967. He served his state and country for six years as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He attended Kent State University and later the University of Akron, where he earned associate's and bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer at Rubbermaid in Wooster, Ohio; Betz Entec in Horsham, Pa.; and was co-owner of Global Chem-Feed Solutions, LLC, in Warminster, Pa., for nine years.
Steve earned his private pilot's license in 1980. He went on to earn his instrument, multi-engine, commercial and flight instructor ratings. Flying and teaching people to fly was his life's passion. He served in the Civil Air Patrol as a Captain for close to 10 years. Over the last 20 years of his life, he could be found working at home or at his hangar building his Cozy experimental aircraft. He was an active member of his local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter in Fort Myers, most recently serving as its president and working to raise funds for the chapter to build a new hangar.
Steve was the beloved husband to Sandra Gagnon for 54 years. Together they enjoyed life and set an example for others to emulate. He was also a loving father to his children, Heidi and Tom, and took an active role in his kids' lives and activities. Steve was always kind and cheerful to everyone he met and greeted others with a smile and his sunny disposition. Steve made a positive impact on the world and everyone who was blessed to know him.
Survivors are his wife, Sandra (nee Butdorf) Gagnon of North Fort Myers, Fl., daughter Heidi (Bill) Griesmer of Hilliard, Ohio, daughter-in-law Margaret (nee Spencer) Gagnon of Wooster, Ohio, brothers James (Beth), William (Marcia), and Timothy Gagnon, and grandchildren Ryan (Liz) and Devin Griesmer. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Wanda (nee Votaw) Gagnon, brother David Gagnon and son Thomas Gagnon.
A memorial will be held at a date and place to be determined.
Information and online condolences at Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tootie May
September 19, 2024
His last hug telling me that he was just fine and had a smile on his face. He will always be remembered. Hugs to you Sandy my friend.
Mike Fry
September 18, 2024
The Gagnon gang moved into our neighborhood in the mid 60s. I probably spent more time at their house than mine. Steve was older than me and he had just bought a new 66 Plymouth Belevedere. Silver with a black vinyl top. One night as the story goes he fell asleep coming home from work or school and he hit a telephone pole head on and totaled the car. Every time i see one of those cars , it reminds me of Steves car.
Sandy
September 18, 2024
Happy heavenly birthday to my one and only love and soulmate. We have had many adventures in our 54 years of marriage and 6 years of dating before that. Our memories are the only thing I can hug now.
Denise Hanna
September 18, 2024
Steve was my brother-in-law so I´ve known him as long as my sister, Sandy, and that´s about 60 years. One Summer we were all vacationing in Canada together and he said he could teach me how to sail (Steve was always the teacher and very detailed with his instructions), so I agreed to join him on the small sailboat. It was so small that you had to be careful that the boom didn´t hit you in the head, so I was constantly watching the boom. While we were out on the water, the wind picked up and flipped the boat over. Fortunately, we were still in front of the cottage and Uncle John heard our cries for help. He came to our rescue and towed the boat with us sitting on its bottom back to shore. No one was hurt so we all had a good laugh over the mishap.
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Paulette Gaia
September 17, 2024
What a legacy Steve has left the world! His list of accomplishments is long and impressive. Most of all, I know he was a great family man who was loved and adored. Hugs to you, Heidi and family. Love, Aunt Pixie
Jean Lytle Henderson
September 17, 2024
I remember Steve and Sandy from high school. How wonderful that they were together for so long. My condolences to Sandy and family. And a big hug to Sandy.
Cathy Colbert
September 17, 2024
Steve always treated me like I was an old friend even though I met him in the 80s.
We enjoyed getting together with him and Sandy every chance we got.
We´ll have an empty space in our hearts but fond memories of him.
We´ll be down to see Sandy as soon as we are able.
Love and miss you Steve
Cathy and Greg Colbert
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4320 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
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