MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. – Denis J. Gastonguay, 56, of Chestnut Street, died at home, following an extended illness, suffering from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1969 -1970.

He was born in Lewiston, Dec. 3, 1949, the son of the late Leo and Jeannette Caron Gastonguay. He grew up in Lewiston and was a graduate of St. Dominic High School, Class of 1967.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, served a year in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Civil Actions Medal First Class, while serving with the U.S. Army artillery. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked in the credit union business, at several locations, and had as of late been the director of risk management for SEFCU of Albany.

He had a passion for the game of golf, was an active member of the Mechanicville Golf Club and once tested his endurance by playing 100 holes of golf in a single day. He enjoyed reading, learned the art of making handmade rosaries and most importantly adored his wife, three daughters and his three grandsons.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Louise, who he married Nov. 26, 1970, weeks after returning home from Vietnam; his three adoring daughters, Renee and husband, Jeff Stahl, of Glenville, Francine and husband, Marc Salluzzo, of Mechanicville and Andrea and husband, Robert Rickman, of Franklin, Va.; three cherished grandsons, Brendon, Evan and Bruce; siblings, Jean (Mercedes) Gastonguay, of Lewiston, Diane (Dominick) Santomango, of Lisbon, Roger (Beverly) Gastonguay of Mariaville, Lucille (Sylvio) King, of Caswell, Marthe (Marc) Faucher, of East Broughton, Quebec, Helene (J.P.) Doyon, of Lewiston and Bertrand Gastonguay, of Uxbridge, Mass.; nieces, nephews and friends.

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