LEWISTON — Joseph A. Gagnon Jr., 87, of Auburn, died Sept. 14, , at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center with “his four girls” and beloved son-in-law by his side.

He was born in Auburn, Aug. 31, 1923, the son of Joseph Arthur Gagnon (Lewiston Joe) and Fredeline Lefebvre Gagnon. He attended Edward Little High School. Joe joined the U. S. Army in 1943, serving in Normandy and proudly at the Battle of the Bulge.

On Feb. 9, 1946, in Portsmouth, N.H., he married the love of his life, Cecile Therese Desjardins of Lewiston, and they made their home in the family neighborhood at Auburn Plains. In his early years, he was a pitcher for various local baseball teams. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. He loved to tell stories about the “good old days” as a country boy making mischief with his brothers, cousins and friends.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 33 years as superintendent of die makers for Eastern Die of Auburn.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will be dearly missed.

Besides his loving wife of 64 years, survivors include three daughters, Suzanne Gregoire of Auburn, Paulette Russell of Auburn and Roland Russell and Kathleen and husband, Richard Gielarowski, of Monmouth; sisters, Lorraine Caron of Auburn and Ella (Midgie) Nolin of Waldorf, Md.; five grandchildren, Michelle and husband, Jimmy Ray King, David, Jennifer, Leah Gielarowski and Shaun Staples and Anna and husband, Aaron Ouellette; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Mason, Logan and Gage; stepgreat-grandchildren, Timothy and Emily; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by four sisters, Fredalena Bassett, Bella Marie Butcher, Kilda Gagnon and Muriel Keenan; and four brothers, Raymond, Robert, Henry and Adolph (Sonny).

The family deeply thanks Dr. Seth Gordon for providing tremendous comfort (even though a Yankee fan!); and the St. Mary’s Hospital ICCU and Emergency Room staffs for their gentle assistance.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Gagnon family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.