Eugene L. Gagnon, Former NH State Legislator

Eugene Leo Gagnon, 80, of Londonderry, longtime resident of Manchester and Largo Fl., died August 21, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

            Born in Manchester on April 22, 1943, he was the son of Eugene J. and Edna C. (Blais) Gagnon.                   

            Prior to retirement, he had worked as a quality control inspector for General Electric in the Aircraft Division in Hooksett for many years. 

            Always very active in supporting his community, Eugene was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Cedars Council #5260 and served as Grand Knight for 4 years.  He was also a member of the Bishop Bradley Assembly, Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and past Faithful Navigator.

            He volunteered with the International Order of the Alhambra El-Feri Caravan #119 in Manchester and served as Grand Commander.  He served two terms on the St. Raphael School Board and the Catholic Charities Ministry for Persons with Disabilities, where he served on the advisory board and was Vice Chair of the ADA field day at Crotched Mountain.

            From 1993 to 1994, Eugene was the Vice Chair of the Vocational Rehab of NH Independent Living Council.

            Eugene was Trustee Emeritus of the Henry Alan Gregg Foundation at Crotched Mountain.  He was a longtime member of the League of 100 Men of the Monastery of the Precious Blood. 

            He was a NH State Legislator, District 48 from 1990 to 2000, serving on the committees of Children, Youth and Juvenile Justice, State and Federal Relations, and was Vice Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

            While in the legislature, he was the Assistant Leader of the Majority Party.  He also served in the National Conference of State Legislators, serving as Vice Chair on the Developmental Disabilities Task Force.

            In the late 1960’s, he served as a NH State Convention Delegate.  He was President of South Manchester Association for 4 years. 

            Eugene was a member of the NH MS Society and had served on the advisory board and was the facilitator for 3 years for the Family Support Group.

            While residing in Florida during retirement, he was Vice Chair of the Teakwood Social Club in Largo.

            Family members include:  His wife of 60 years Therese S. (Pelletier) Gagnon of Londonderry; sons Robert L. Gagnon of Dover, NH and Michael W. Gagnon and Michael’s companion Krysten Brooks of Merrimack; grandson Nicholas A. Gagnon and his companion Sanela Smajovic; and granddaughter Lauren Brooks. Great-grandchildren Lejla Gagnon, Calvin Gagnon, and Jayden Smajovic. Eugene’s brother William J. Gagnon, wife Sally, and their daughter Donna of Manchester; and several nephews and nieces.  He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Lewis Gagnon in 1952. 

            Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, corner of North St, will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Raphael Church on Saturday at 10 am.  Committal prayers will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

            Memorial donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

            To send an online message of condolence, please go to www.lambertfuneralhome.com.