At the age of 66, Harvey left us unexpectedly while living in Palm Coast, FL. He was born in Chicopee, MA, on May 3, 1949. Parents were Harvey J. Sr., mother Virginia (Taft) Gagnon.

Harvey joined the Army at 17. Upon turning 18, he went to Vietnam where he drove an armored personnel carrier for the 25th Infantry Diuvision. He was wounded twice during his nine months in-country, earning two Purple Hearts.

After various factory positions, Harvey joined the Post Office in Springfield, MA, where he became a truck mechanic. In his spare time, he contributed to the planning of the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam, MA, as well as devoting his energy and ideas to the establishment of the Vietnam Veteran’s of America chapter in the Springfield area. He was also a member of the American Legion.

In January 2003, he met Linda, then a resident of Ludlow, MA, whom he married the following June and moved to Maine. Three years later, they moved further north to the small town of Phippsburg. He became an active member of the VFW located in Bath, ME, where he was a treasured friend to all, especially the new vets whom he took under his wing. In turn, they called him their friend, mentor, advisor and sometimes, even “Dad.”

Eventually Harvey realized his dream of living in a warmer climate when he and Linda moved to Florida in September 2014. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life, walking with Linda, joined by their devoted dogs, Joey and Ollie. He also loved trips to the beach, swimming in his pool, puttering in the garage, get-togethers with friends and mostly riding his motorcycle.

Harvey is survived by his devoted wife, Linda, a sister Judy and husband, Dave from Claremore, OK, a sister Ann and husband, Jim, from Brimfield, MA, as well as his beloved son Jeremy, wife Julie, granddaughters Breanna and Kiah. He also leaves his loving daughter, Alyssa and her husband Charles Cleveland, as well as his granddaughter, Arilyn, and grandson, Rene.

Harvey will be remembered for overcoming many hurdles in life, always maintaining a sense of humor, and his warm, loving ways.

Harvey’s desire was to be cremated and there are no scheduled funeral plans at present. However, donations may be made in his memory to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or to the Wounded Warrior Project which can be found online.