AUBURN — Leo Gagne, 81, of Jeffrey Street in Lewiston, passed away early Sunday morning, March 4, at The Hospice House, with family at his side.

He was born in Lewiston on Jan. 5, 1937, one of three sons born to Lucien and Alice (Blais) Gagne. Leo was educated at Holy Cross School, graduated from St. Dominic High School and remained a lifelong resident of Lewiston. On May 30, 1959, he married Claudette Bosse, and together they raised their family in Lewiston. She predeceased him in 2004.

Leo was a military veteran having served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1959. He worked as a hand sewer in local shoe factories for many years, and spent over 20 years working at L.L. Bean, first as a hand sewer in shoe manufacturing and later in security for them until his retirement in 1996.

Leo was a member of Holy Cross Church and among his favorite enjoyments were reading, gardening and tending to his flowers. He also enjoyed sports, especially the Bruins, Red Sox and New England Patriots.

In earlier years, Leo enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing racquetball. He was also an avid runner and a regular participant for several years in the Lee Surace Memorial Race sponsored by L.L. Bean. He also loved spending time with family and friends at Bear Pond. He was a loving, devoted and hardworking husband, father and grandfather. He was very proud of his family and he will be dearly missed.

He leaves behind two daughters, Diane Wright and husband, Rodney, of Poland, and Lise Hudson and husband, James, of Lewiston; a son, Michael Gagne, of Lewiston; four grandchildren, Kevin Wright and companion, Cricket Remington, Rebecca Ducharme and husband, Robert, Anthony Gagne and companion, Makaela Keene, and James Hudson; four great-grandchildren, Abrielle, Ava and Amelia Gagne and Gerard Ducharme; two brothers, Romeo Gagne and wife, MaryRose, of Whittinsville, Mass., and Robert Gagne of Texas; many nieces and nephews; and a very special friend and companion, Yolande Lampron, of Solon.

Leo was predeceased by his wife, Claudette; and his parents, Lucien and Alice.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at CMMC, and especially the staff of The Hospice House for all the care and compassion they showed to Leo and his family.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Leo’s family by visiting their online guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Leo Gagne