LEWISTON — Rene J. Gagnon, 87, of Mechanic Falls died at home on Thursday, Jan. 20, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Born in Lewiston on May 15, 1923, the son of Madore and Courana (Nolet) Gagnon, he was educated in Lewiston schools. He married his childhood sweetheart, June Lorraine (Robinson), on July 10, 1942, raising their six children in the home he and his father built on Niskayuna St. in Auburn.

He was employed for 25 years at Lewiston Crushed Stone and five years at Callahan Construction. He and June then built their store, Elm Street Variety, in Mechanic Falls and operated it for 28 years. After retirement, he was known for wheeling/dealing, fixing and repairing anything.

He enjoyed CB radio; his handle being “Rockefeller,” and listening to Dave talk always made him smile. Most recently he enjoyed playing cards, going out to eat, playing his favorite game of bowling on the Wii with Simone Deschaine, his companion of two years, and their friends at the Bates St. Towers. Missed by his dog “Getty,” always watching for his grandpa to come home so they could sit together in their favorite recliner and watch WWE wrestling.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, June; daughter, Cindy; son, Joseph; parents; brother, James Gagnon; sisters, Priscilla Gagnon and Claudette Winslow.

He is survived by his sister, Cecile Brooks of Auburn; son, David Gagnon of Mechanic Falls; four daughters, Loretta Enman of Otisfield, Rena and husband, Archie Sawyer, of Poland, Jean and husband, Robert, Smith, of Lewiston, Patricia Pellitier of Oxford; and 40 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Yelena Patsornik, Dr. Pandy, all the oncology staff and valet volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital, Janice Power and staff of Hospice, and Fr. Evans. Thank you to Patricia, Carol, Lucinda, Rene, Trudy, Loretta, Simone, Liz, Bob, and Archie for all your love and needed support.