Donald Gagnon

VAN BUREN/BANGOR - Donald Gagnon, 87, of Van Buren, passed away December 19, 2025, surrounded by his three children, at the Maine Veterans' Home, Bangor. He was born in Van Buren, May 18, 1938, the son of Louis and Mattie (Lebel) Gagnon.

Donald served in the United States Army. After serving his country, he dedicated 33 years to the Van Buren school system as a science teacher and Athletic Director, shaping countless lives along the way. Known for his dry humor, passion for teaching, and sincere care for his students, he was affectionately remembered by many as "Mr. Gagnon." His hands-on science experiments were legendary-and occasionally even "shocking." He was a life member of the American Legion, Post #49. Donald enjoyed golfing throughout the St. John Valley, especially at Long Lake Country Club and in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada

In addition to his parents, Donald was predeceased by his wife, Verna (Cyr) Gagnon and his brother, Adrian Gagnon.

Surviving, are three children, Donna Bilodeau, of Dexter, Dana Gagnon and his wife, Donna, of W. Kingston, Rhode Island, and Debbie Gendreau and her husband, Kevin, of Hampden; six grandchildren, Corbin Bilodeau, Gabrielle Bilodeau and her fiancé, Robby Morin, Brandon Gagnon and his wife, Paige, Zachary Gagnon and his wife, Kylie, and Andrew and Derek Gendreau; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Morin, of Dexter; brother, Joe Gagnon and his wife, Judy, of The Villages, Florida; sister-in-law, Leola Gagnon of Madawaska and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 70 Western Ave., Hampden, immediately followed by conversation and refreshments in the parish hall. The Rite of Committal will be held in the spring, at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 37 Lombard Rd., Caribou. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.