Deacon Raymond A. Gagnon

Shirley – Deacon Raymond A. Gagnon, 89, of Shirley passed away peacefully on Friday, August 12, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lowell on August 10, 1933, a son of the late Wilfred and Alma (Bolduc) Gagnon and grew up in the City, graduating from the Lowell Trade School in 1952. He has resided in Shirley since 1960. Deacon Ray was a master electrician and owned and operated R. A. Gagnon Electrical Contractor, Inc. He also worked at Raytheon and Wang. Besides these jobs Ray also did a variety of things to support his family, including wiring inspector, cabbie, and even school bus driver. He was a proud member of the famous “Over the Hill Construction Company.” He completed his theological studies in the Diocese of Boston and was ordained into the Permanent Diaconate on May 17, 1980. Deacon Ray was assigned St. Anthony’s Parish in Shirley. He presided at many weddings and baptized well over 600 babies, his favorite diaconate privilege. He served 12 years in the Navy Reserves, spending two weeks each year on a destroyer escort. He volunteered in many capacities including the Shirley Council on Aging, ombudsman program, hospice volunteer, prison ministry, and the Lura A. White School Committee. He took pleasure in the beaches with Pauline and his family followed by a seafood dinner and a Moxie. He spent many afternoons bird watching and loved the many pets his family had over the years. He enjoyed WWII history, movies, and aviation. He shared many corny jokes and delighted in telling stories. More than anything else, his passions in life were Jesus and the many wonderful blessings He bestowed upon our family. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Pauline (Branchaud) Gagnon of Shirley; four sons, Michael Gagnon and his wife Kim of Templeton, Richard Gagnon and his wife Jennifer of Westford, Stephen Gagnon of Rindge, NH, and James Gagnon and his wife Dana of Cincinnati, OH; a daughter, Pamela Ewing and her husband Doug of Cameron, NC; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his two sisters, Liliane Gagnon and Beatrice Gregoire. Calling hours will be held in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 14 Phoenix St., Shirley on Tuesday, August 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer Vigil will be held that evening at 7:00 p.m. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, in St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery, and a light reception will be held in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Parish, 14 Phoenix St., Shirley, MA 01464, and Loaves and Fishes, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, MA 01434. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com

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Deacon Raymond A. Gagnon

August 10, 1933 - August 12, 2022