Gerald J. Gagnon

Seabrook - Gerald J. Gagnon, 83, of Seabrook, NH—also known as “Big G” to his friends and “Poppy” to his family—passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Portsmouth Hospital. Born on May 3, 1943, to Deo and Lea (LeBlanc) Gagnon in Norwich, Connecticut, Gerry will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and love of sports. Gerry was an outstanding athlete at Norwich Free Academy, graduating in 1963. He loved telling the story of how he was scouted by the Red Sox during his senior year of high school. As accomplished as he was in baseball, basketball was where he really excelled and where his heart truly was. He pursued his education at Kemper Junior College in Missouri, where he made his mark in basketball. He was named Junior College All-American for leading the nation in scoring. After graduating from Kemper in 1965, he received a full scholarship to play basketball at Oral Roberts University. It was here that he was able to meet his idol, Elvis Presley—an experience he cherished throughout his life. In 2014, he was proudly inducted into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his exceptional athletic achievements. Professionally, Gerry was a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic. He worked in quality control at United Nuclear until its closure and later transitioned to security at Foxwoods Resort Casino. At Foxwoods, he provided security for celebrities performing at the venue, and he could always tell you who was genuine and who was full of themselves. After retiring in 2009, Gerry moved to Hobe Sound, Florida, where he and Karen enjoyed traveling and living an active lifestyle. As snowbirds, they returned to their summer home at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, each year until 2023, when they moved back north permanently and settled in Seabrook, New Hampshire. Gerry's personal life was rich with connection and joy. He was married to the love of his life, Karen (Johnson) Gagnon, for what would have been 46 years. His family brought him immense pride and happiness. He was a proud father to two children, Stephen Edwards and Suzanne Edwards. He loved and adored his grandchildren: Stephanie Edwards, Spencer Edwards, Adam Lester, Ryan Lester, Jared Lester and his wife Courtney, Kara (Lester) Chatterton and her husband Taylor, and Ashlynn Edwards; and his great-grandchildren: Ayden Carson, Gemma Parker, and Tamriel Lester, as well as one eagerly anticipated great-granddaughter he was looking forward to meeting this summer. Gerry is also survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Joanne Perkowski, as well as multiple nieces and nephews and many close friends. In addition to his parents, Gerry was predeceased by his sister, Aline Daigle, and a brother-in-law, Frank Johnson. Beyond his devotion to family, Gerry had a deep love for sports of all kinds. He enjoyed time spent at his family’s hunting cabin in Maine, betting on horse races, and taking trips to Al’s Seafood and Lago’s Ice Cream. Gerry touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His warmth and humor left an unforgettable mark on those around him, and he will be deeply missed. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 156 Providence St, Taftville, CT on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 at 11 am. A celebration of life will follow at Prime 82 located at 181 W Town St, Norwich, CT. Donations in his memory may be made to: The Gerald Gagnon Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made payable to the NFA Foundation and sent to NFA Foundation, 321 Broadway, Norwich CT 06360.

Gerald J. Gagnon

May 3, 1943 - June 7, 2026