1935 – 2014

EAST ORLAND — Robert Ronald Gagnon, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 30, surrounded by his children and loved ones.

He was born in Livermore Falls on Aug. 29, 1935, the last of eight children to Onesime and Rosa Gagnon. He was Baptized at St. Rose of Lima in Jay on Sept. 1, 1935; he had his Confirmation into the Catholic Church on Sept. 22, 1946. That faith would turn into a deep foundation for his entire life, defining everything that he was.

After graduating from Livermore Falls High School in 1953, he attended Farmington State Teacher’s College for two years, before marrying Annette Pomerleau on May 25, 1957; they would go on to have three children. After moving to California, Robert was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 26, 1958, serving his country as his brothers had done before him.

After returning from his time in the military, he began his career in banking at Security Pacific Bank, where he would eventually rise to become a senior vice president. He spent the next 30 years in the industry at various banks in both California and Maine.

He remarried on Nov. 19, 1977, to Diann Knutson, and they would go on to have one child, eventually moving back to Maine in 1984. Everyone around him was impacted by his warm personality, love and zest for life, the lessons he taught, the never-ending but always charming stories he told and his devotion to helping friends and family. Known affectionately as “Pépère” and “Uncle Bob” to virtually everyone and his family, he leaves a hole that can never be filled by anyone.

Universally beloved by his family and friends, he is survived by his sister, Rita Fuller, of Jay; four children, Cindy Gagnon of California, Mark Gagnon of California, Christina Foster and her husband, Mike, of Gray and Matthew Gagnon and his wife, Erin, of Virginia; two stepchildren, Erin Smith of Carmel and Wendy Neito and husband, Michael, of California; as well as grandchildren, Michael, Annabell, Amelia, Alec and Colleen; and his partner of 14 years, Sue Violette.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.