SKOWHEGAN – Earl N. Gagnon passed away early Monday morning, Oct. 4, 2021, from congestive heart failure. He was 81 years old. The oldest of six children, Earl was born Aug. 29, 1940, to Aurel and Lorraine Gagnon in Eagle Lake, Maine. His parents and a sister predeceased him.Earl was a well-respected businessman operating his store, Gagnon Jewelers and Opticians, in downtown Skowhegan that he took over from his father in 1975. He was a watchmaker and jeweler. Many married couples of Central Maine began their relationships with rings from Earl.Earl was a proud Navy veteran having served from 1961 to 1965 during the early “cold war” aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore, a submarine tender. It was there that he was trained to repair clocks, watches and instruments. He was honorably discharged and returned to Skowhegan to work at the family business.Earl was legendary for his jokes and storytelling. He left many who visited laughing, but also loved hearing funny stories from others. Few, especially family, could escape his advice about cars, houses, business and money.He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Carol Buck Gagnon originally of Machias, his three children, Jay of New York City, Janelle of Canaan and his grandson Sky, and John of Westbrook. Also, his siblings Earlene Morin and husband Ray, Richard Gagnon and wife Linda of Skowhegan, Dora Gagnon of Waterville, Kenneth Gagnon and wife Deborah of Sumner, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and good friends. He was predeceased by his sister Cora Marley and her husband Rick formerly of Skowhegan. His younger brothers and sisters saw him as their protector and role model. His family nicknames were “Gidu” and “Wow”.Because of the pandemic, a burial service will be held in Skowhegan on Saturday Oct. 9, at 10 a.m., at Calvary Cemetery on North Ave. The family requests all attendees please wear a mask. Carol and the family thank Dr. Gus Stringos and the staff of Redington-Fairview Hospital for their care and comfort over the past month.Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine, fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com for the Gagnon family.

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