Antonio A. Gagne Obituary (1925 - 2011)

Winslow On Apr. 27, 2011 in the loving presence of his family, Antonio A. Gagne, 85, of Winslow passed away at the Togus VA Hospice Unit. Tony was born on the family homestead on Clinton Ave. in Winslow, June 13, 1925, the son of Cyrille and Lucie Guite Gagne. He attended Winslow schools after which he served in the U.S. Army's 79th Infantry Division in Europe as a Staff Sergeant. During World War II while serving his country, Tony was awarded the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, Four Campaign Stars, The Combat Infantry Badge, a Presidential Merit Citation and the European African Middle East Medal while fighting through Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Germany. It was in Germany, Mar. 1945 that he was severely wounded, later spending time in hospitals in Germany, France, England, and the Walter Reed Veterans Hospital in Washington, D.C. Upon his return home to Winslow, Tony was employed in Bakery Sales and Management by Drake's and Country Kitchen for a total of 32 years. His last 10 years of employment were as a custodian at Winslow High School where in 1982 he was most honored and pleased to have the seniors dedicate the yearbook to him. He was a lifelong member of Amvets, the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tony was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who above all else truly loved his family. He also had a love of nature, the mountains, and growing things with what was surely a green thumb. He was well known for his honesty, friendliness, smile and willingness to help others. Tony was predeceased in Feb. of 2002 by his beloved wife of 55 years, Connie Michaud Gagne. Tony was also predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Arthur, Raoul, Warren and Fern; and three sisters, Flora Rossignol, Octavie Gagne and Yvette Rossignol. Survivors include a daughter, Sandra Gagne Joler and her husband Earl of Winlsow, their children, Craig and wife Tonya Joler, and Jennifer Joler-Kiander and her husband Steve; sons, Roger G. Gagne and his wife Debby Bourque Gagne also of Winslow, their children, Katie, Shelley and Tom Gagne and his wife Ruth Bourassa Gagne of Brewer, and their children, Derek and Erika; great-grandchildren include Kassie and Kiana Joler and Alex and Meredith Kiander; one brother, Renald Gagne and his wife Jeanne of Winslow; one sister-in-law, Ferne Gagne of Waterville; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Sat., May 14, 2011 at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to St. John Regional Catholic School, 15 So. Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901 or to the Waterville Area Humane Society, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901. A special thank you to HealthReach Hospice and the Togus V.A. Hospice Unit for their incredible care and support. As the patriarch of the family, you led us by example...and we will miss your loving presence. Arrangements are with the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.