Mr. John Dustin Gagnon

LIVERPOOL- Mr. John Dustin Gagnon, age 53, went to Jesus who awaited him on Sunday, August 11, 2019. He passed in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica on July 22, 1966, John was the son of Olga I. (Rivera) Gagnon Palczynski and the late Donald F. Gagnon. He was a graduate of Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School/Class of 1984 and furthered his education at Siena College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He relocated to Elizabeth, New Jersey with the Hartford Insurance Company, then to the Utica location, and for the past 20 years in their Syracuse office. Lastly, he was employed by the Aegis General Insurance Agency in Syracuse as a New York State Bond Manager, a position he held to the very end of his life. At one time, he was married, and to that relationship came the blessing of two children. His heart filled with love when he wed the former Kristin L. Vanderveer. They loved one another and honored their new life and successfully blended a family. A family man in every sense of the word, John was a wonderful son, a close brother, and a proud dad who cherished his kids. He was involved in their sporting events, and as a matter of fact, he enticed everyone to partake in his passion for supporting them in their activities. His wife, Kristin, won his heart and her children knew of his love. He had accomplished an amazing goal, and was able to leave this world with strength and peace because all these relationships were meaningful. He was also a great host and was so happy when people gathered at his home. He always prepared different cuisines and everyone would have a good time. In his youth, John loved being outdoors camping and fishing with his dad, his brother.... and his mom tagging along. In more recent years, John shared tranquil time fishing with his brother friend, Mark; they had a lifetime of memories and were the best of friends. John’s greatest goal in life was met: he was a proud dad who protected and properly raised his kids to be respectful and ethical in all aspects of life, and he was blessed to have a true and honest relationship with them. He also had a fatherly bond with Ashley and Cara, and he loved them with all his heart. He honored his Catholic creed and made sure his children received all their sacraments. His faith in the Lord was the rock he stood upon, a devotion that made a difference in his life and directed his way. John is survived by his mom, Olga, and his second father, Russell R. Palczynski; his daughter, Gabriella R. Gagnon; son, Matthew D. Gagnon; wife, Kristin; step-daughters, Ashley Weaver, and Cara Weaver; his brother and sister-in-law, David M. and Lauri Gagnon; and nephews, Michael, and Anthony Gagnon. He also leaves his “favorite aunt”, Carmen Laurey and his cousins, James and Emily Laurey, and Robert and Beatrice Laurey; his uncle, Alex Rivera; many additional cousins and extended family; best friend Mark Ravas and wife Laurie and their children Noah (godson) and Zack. He also leaves a host of unforgettable friends in Utica. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Alejandro and Juanita (Millet) Rivera; and his paternal grandparents, Dustin and Anna (Fliss) Gagnon. John's visitation and funeral service were held in Syracuse. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Saturday morning, September 7, 2019 at 10:30 at Historic Old St. John's Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to Historic Old St. John's Food Pantry; envelopes will be available at the service.

Mr. John Dustin Gagnon

July 22, 1966 - August 11, 2019