The Honorable Ronald R. Gagnon

The Honorable Ronald R. Gagnon, 88, of Wakefield, former Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Arlene S. (Audette) Gagnon. They were happily married for 64 years. Born in Central Falls, R.I., on June 26, 1930, he was the son of the late Joachim and Lydia (Pelland) Gagnon. Judge Gagnon graduated from Providence College in 1948. A member of the varsity basketball team for four years, Judge Gagnon also earned magna cum laude honors in Political Science. He entered Harvard Law School in 1952, and received his Juris Doctorate in 1955. Judge Gagnon also served with the US Army from 1955 - 1957 and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 - 1963. He was a former associate of the late Family Court Chief Judge William R. Goldberg in his early law practice and was an active member of the Pawtucket and Rhode Island Bar Associations throughout his career. Judge Gagnon also served as Chair of the Rhode Island Personnel Appeals Board from 1965-1968, and Clerk of the Tenth District Court of Rhode Island from 1968-1969. Before his appointment to the judiciary, he enjoyed the private practice of law for more than three decades. He was appointed Associate Judge of the Rhode Island Superior Court in February of 1988. Known for his objectivity, fairness, and practicality with all lawyers and litigants, Judge Gagnon was beloved and respected by his fellow judges, lawyers, clerks and court staff. He retired in 2003 from the bench. Judge Gagnon was a leader and member of many civic, fraternal, veterans, religious and charitable organizations. He served on local and state commissions and on boards in the Blackstone Valley area including the Visiting Nurse Services Association, the Jaycees, Central Falls Credit Union, and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also an incorporator of Pawtucket Memorial Hospital. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Dyanne Clinton, and her husband Henry of Havertown PA., his sons, Ronald Gagnon Jr. of Tolland, CT, and Thomas Gagnon, and his wife Elizabeth Wood, of Milton, MA. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Laura Clinton, Mark Clinton, Elizabeth Clinton, Nicholas Gagnon, Benjamin Gagnon, Charles Gagnon, Dakota Gagnon, and Jaedyn Gagnon. He was the brother of the late Raymond Gagnon. At his request, a private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, One Moeller Place, Pawtucket, RI 02860.