Donald H. Gagne, Sr.

Donald Henry Gagne, Sr. (March 4, 1942) passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on June 26, 2026, after a prolonged illness. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and community service. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Janet Gagne.

Born in the spring of 1942, Donald’s childhood was anchored by fond memories of growing up at the family camp on Forest Lake and making memories with his many cousins, aunts and uncles, his dog Bella, and the “cat who swam.” He retained a lifelong love for the water, spending countless happy hours fishing and boating. His teenage years were equally memorable, sneaking friends into the drive-in theater in the trunk of his car and throwing cherry bombs at the girls...one of which whom became his wife.

For 50 years, Donald was an active, dedicated member of Saints Mary and Joseph Parish, where he served as an usher and a Eucharistic minister. He was exceptionally proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Peterson Council #4442 in Salem, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. Over his many years with the council, Donald held several leadership roles, including President of the Corporation and District Deputy. His tireless commitment to his faith and brothers earned him the prestigious title of Knight of the Year. He volunteered for countless council events, perhaps most notably for organizing the monthly breakfasts that directly benefited St. Joseph Parish. While living in Epsom, he also volunteered for several years with the food ministry at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Concord.

At home, Donald was a handyman who was always fixing things around the house (though he was banned from getting too close to the flower gardens with the lawn mower). As a father, he worked hard to provide for his children, taking whatever job was necessary in tight times to make sure his family was provided for. He is survived by his children Donald H. Gagne, Jr. and his wife Roseline of Sanbornton, NH, Donna Martin of Byrdstown, TN, Dee-Ann Gagne of Nashua, NH, Dean Gagne and his wife Samara of Hooksett, NH, and Denyce Gagne of Epsom, NH; grandchildren Brittany, Samuel, and Noah; and great grandchildren Weston, Maverick, and Sawyer.

Having grown up as an only child, Donald found, and was enthusiastically embraced at the age of 76, by his biological family where he found himself in the unexpected role of Big Brother. He is survived by his brothers Paul Landry and Joe Levesque, and his sisters Linda Barrett, Florence Bell, and Claire Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at Alzheimer's Association or to the Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord, 94 Silk Farm Rd, Concord, NH 03301.

Visitation will be held at Saint Joseph Parish, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH, from 11am - 12pm on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12pm. Arrangements are in the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.