Richard A. Gagnon

AUGUSTA – Richard A. Gagnon, 87, of Belgrade, died on Oct. 11, 2023, at Maine General Rehabilitation at Glenridge in Augusta.

Richard was born in Westbrook on June 10, 1936, to Lionel and Theresa (Duclos) Gagnon. As a teen, he worked at the family’s neighborhood grocery store, where he developed a love of helping people. After graduating with a Masters in Social Work from Syracuse University, he built a career as a social worker from 1972-2006 at the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) and from 1996 to 2009 at Winthrop Manor.

Richard loved to sing, whether it be in church, with the Kennebec Chordsmen, or the small singing Valentine’s cards he would deliver to lucky ladies with his Quartet brothers. His love of people and building relationships led him to the many groups he was active with, including The Harmony Buoys, St. Francis Choir, United Methodist Choir, Elks Club of Augusta and the Franco-American Society of Lewiston. In his spare time, he was a hospice volunteer in the Augusta area, where he would visit homes to spend time with and comfort the terminally ill. In his younger years, he became an avid gardener, turning half of his property into a garden brimming with produce, which he enthusiastically shared with friends and family. A Boy Scout camping trip with his son kindled a love of the woods and camping. He enjoyed many years camping around the state with the family, building wonderful memories.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Lee and Robert “Bob”.

He is survived by his wife Carla Prescott (Belgrade), son Rick Gagnon and wife Jackie (Westbrook), daughter Nichole Alkire and husband Johnathan (Charlotte, N.C.), sister Jackie Lawless and husband Ward of Pinehurst, Mass., stepchildren Adam Brunelle of Augusta, Amy Brunelle of Readfield and Michelle Storer of Winthrop. Grandchildren Elliott, Jacob and Sean Gagnon, Reed Alkire, Marissa Parlin, Natalie Storer and Lucy Brunelle.

A private gathering is to be held for the family.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives 82 Western Ave. Augusta, Maine, 04330

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kennebec Humane Society at http://www.pethavenlane.org