CLAYTON, NY — Francis A. Gagnon, 85, Clayton, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.
Francis was born Oct. 22, 1935, in Watertown, the son of Ralph A. Gagnon, former mayor of Chaumont in the 1970s, and Venita Lobdell Gagnon.
On Feb. 17, 1954, he entered the US Navy. Francis served aboard the USS Tanner (AGS-15) and was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1957. During his service he married Jeannine Fitch in October 1955.
Francis and Jeannine lived in North Syracuse where he was the carpenter superintendent for Diamond & Theil Construction Co. In 1965 the couple started coming to the Thousand Islands, moving to Clayton in 1995.
He was a former member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, North Syracuse.
Francis was a member of the VFW in N. Syracuse, American Legion Colon-Couch Post 821, Clayton, and Carpenters Local 277, Syracuse.
He was a skilled woodworker and very craftly, especially loved making ships and lighthouses.
He was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, boating, and hunting.
Along with his wife, Jeannine, Francis is survived by his daughter and her husband Michelle and James Hale, N. Syracuse; daughter-in-law Kristin Gagnon, N. Syracuse; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren; a sister Diane Gagnon Kines, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by a son, Stephen Gagnon and a daughter, Suzanne Gagnon, both passing in 2008, and a brother, Blair Gagnon.
A celebration of his life will be held by his family at their convenience this summer at Mason Point. There are no public services.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton.
Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Francis’ name may be made to either TIERS, PO Box 524, Clayton, NY 13624 or Alzheimer’s Assoc., 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204.