George E. Gagnon
October 16, 1941 - October 12, 2022
George E. Gagnon, 80, of Salem, passed away on October 12, 2022 following a brief illness.
Born and raised in Salem, George was the son of the late Hector J. and Florence R. (Ouellette) Gagnon. He graduated from Salem Vocational High School in 1959 and shortly after began working at Bowley Motors. He also worked at General Electric in Lynn before working as an independent licensed electrician for many years. From 1964 to 1973, George was a member of the Beverly Civil Defense and a volunteer firefighter for the Beverly Auxiliary Fire Department.
A lifelong resident of Salem, George was a self-professed Salem historian whose photos depicting urban renewal throughout the city in the late 1960s were featured in a 2014 publication and included as part of the Salem State University Archives. His knowledge of Boston history was also extensive and for 10 years he led the “Boston Underground” tour as a guide for Boston By Foot. George volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for many years. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner who loved exploring Boston and sharing his vast historical knowledge of the city both above and below the streets. He loved going to parades of all kinds, enjoyed listening to fife and drum bands, and had a great sense of humor-- nobody could deliver a one-liner with as straight a face as he could. In 2007 he was recognized for using his skills as a former volunteer firefighter in extinguishing a blaze in his neighbor’s apartment. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help others.
George is survived by his lifetime partner, Donna L. Horgan, and his lifelong childhood friend Don Axelrod. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wed, October 19, 2022, at Berube & Sons Funeral Home, located at 191 Lafayette St in Salem, MA. Interment at Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Salem, MA to be held at a later date. To send a condolence to the family please comment below.
Condolences will not immediately appear on the site.