Joseph Albert Lawrence Gagnon, Jr.
Larry, 77, quietly passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21 at his home in Canaveral Groves. He was busy that morning attending to his large collection of stray cats and feeding the horses. He loved his animals dearly, and Rusty was his loyal companion.

Born in Gardiner, Maine in 1936 he grew up loving the cold weather. Larry enlisted in the Marine Corp in 1953 and served in Europe during the Korean War. He married Shirley Goulet in Island Pond, VT in Sept. 1957. They returned to Lewiston, ME and began his law enforcement career. He was employed by the Livermore Falls Police Department from 1959-1962.

Larry's Restaurant was opened in Livermore Falls for 2 years and served traditional Maine cuisine (crab meat roll, lobster plate, clam, scallops and halibut.) The Bass shoe shop employees would rave about his special onion ring recipe and the enormous portion sizes.
His love of motorcycles brought him to Florida in 1964 where he joined the Cocoa Beach Police Department. He had his own bike and loved being in the parades with the Astronauts and dignitaries.

In 1971 Sgt. Gagnon and 3 fellow officers established the first CBPD K9 Unit. They built a training field at the high school and attended police dog training classes. Larry and Fritz were awarded the K-9 Team Award that year. He retired in 1983 as a LT.
He raised german shepherd and doberman puppies in his off time. He was a hard worker, usually holding 2-3 odd jobs at one time to provide for his growing family. He loved working with his hands and was always involved with motorcycles, woodworking, auto mechanics and old car restoration (cars from the 20s-60s).

Larry was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4534 in Rockledge during the 70s. And was an avid motorcycle club member who enjoyed riding in the Toy Run each year in Merritt Island.

Survivors include: his wife Samantha Gagnon of Merritt Island, FL; brother Donald Gagnon of Livermore Falls, Maine; sister Ruth Gay of Cocoa Beach, FL; and brother Richard Gagnon of Lake City. His 4 children: LouAnn Gagnon-Vosgien of Cocoa, Dawn Gagnon of Mims, Cathy Forino of Merritt island, and son, Jeffrey Gagnon of Port St. Lucie. His 4 grandchildren, Darryl, Brandon, Amanda and Justin. Numerous nephews, nieces and cousins will remember Uncle Larry and his stories.

He wanted a festive party so "A Celebration of Life" will honor Larry in late December at an oceanfront venue. Donations can be made to your local Humane Society in Larrys name.

Please leave your email at davisseawinds.com privately and you will be notified with specifics for the Party.