Newburyport, MA – Richard “Rich” Leon Gagnon, 84, formerly of Easthampton, MA, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Newburyport, MA, with his daughters by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Laura Gagnon.
Rich was born in Holyoke on April 15, 1941, and was raised in South Hadley. He grew up surrounded by a large extended family and remained deeply connected to his roots throughout his life. He graduated from South Hadley High School, Class of 1959. During his high school years, Rich was a bass guitar player in the Downhearted Sevens, where his lifelong love of music first began.
Following high school, Rich proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Mills. After his military service, he married the mother of his children, Elaine, and began building their life and family. He spent time in Puerto Rico as a Navy contractor before relocating to Pocomoke City, MD, where he continued his service with the US government at NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility. He later joined Kaman Aerospace, supporting work on Navy helicopters and reconnecting him to the service he was so proud of.
Rich is survived by his three daughters, Lynette Sowell, Catherine Conrad, and Amy McSweeney; and his stepchildren, Bonnie Marshall, Paul Schmidt, Laura Hanson, and Douglas Schmidt. He was the cherished “Pepe” of several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Gagnon. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends in the Easthampton community. He was predeceased by his wife, Laura Gagnon; his parents, Grace and Armand Gagnon; his brothers, Donald, Michael, and John Gagnon; and his son-in-law, CJ Sowell.
A burial service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Village Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg, MA. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. Gagnon’s family with his arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to Riverside Industries of Easthampton, supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes