OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Joseph “Frank” Gagne, 72, of Old Orchard Beach and formerly of Biddeford and Delray Beach, Florida, died Friday, Dec. 26, 2014 at his home.
He was born April 22, 1942 in Biddeford, a son of Alfred and Evelyn (Lizotte) Gagne.
Joe was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Biddeford High School in the Class of 1960. He was also a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Waterville.
On June 27, 1964, he married Claire Lamontagne at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. Fifty years later, they renewed their vows at the same location.
Joe had been a delivery truck driver with Cole Farm Dairy, Pepsi Cola and York County Biscuit Company. He served as a deputy with the York County Sheriff’s Department, as the first contracted officer in Arundel, and later as an officer with the Biddeford Police Department. While living in Florida, he was security supervisor at the exclusive Polo Club located in Boca Raton, where he met several celebrities, including tennis star Chris Everett, and U2 lead singer, Bono.
Both Joe and Claire enjoyed their time in Florida, but missed their children, so they returned home to Maine. Joe retired from Volk Packaging, where he had also been a driver, and because Joe did not know how to “retire,” he went to work with the Maine Turnpike Authority, part time until 2011.
Joe enjoyed model trains, woodworking, all types of music and playing his keyboard. He especially enjoyed fishing from his boat, the Ke Koa, with his children and grandchildren, teaching them all how to drive and, most importantly, dock the boat at their home on the Saco River. His grandchildren fondly remember him as “Toot Toot.” Joe and Claire shared a love that was admired by their children, and lasted through good and bad, though they both were quick to say there was “more good.” He will be missed by all the lives he touched, and remembered for how much family mattered.
Joe is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Claire Gagne of Old Orchard Beach; two sons, Craig Gagne and his wife Amy of Springvale and Michael Gagne and his wife Jaclyn of Biddeford; one daughter, Karen Mathieu and her husband Kevin of Biddeford; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
There will be no visiting hours. A funeral service for friends and family to attend will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at noon at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. If so desired, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.
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