Kenneth D. Gagnon 67, of Beverly, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, October 5, 2014. He was the husband of Nina F. (Silva) Gagnon with whom he shared 42 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Ubald E. Gagnon and Anna L. (Harrison) Gagnon. Ken was a graduate of Salem High Class of ’67 where he played 4 years of varsity football. He joined the Navy shortly after graduation and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Following his tour of duty, he returned to Salem and joined the Salem Police Department for the next two years, while taking courses in criminal justice. In 1974 Ken left the Police Department for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and worked his way up through the ranks to retire as Assistant Deputy Superintendent in 2002. Following his retirement, he continued working with the Sheriff’s Department on a part time basis.
Ken loved motorcycles. He was a member of the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club, through which he saw most of this country and was a member of the MA Retreads Motorcycle Club. He was also an avid salt water fisherman who enjoyed any time spent on the water. Ken was the Membership Officer of the D.A.V. Chapter 100 of Peabody.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Nicole D. Martorana, and her husband Frank of Haverhill, a son, Craig K. Gagnon of Beverly, 2 grandsons, Anthony and Adam Martorana, his sister, Joanne R. Higgins of Salem and beloved mother-in-law, Jackie Silva of Salem. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visiting hours on Thursday, October 9, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Route 114 / 1-A] Salem. His funeral will be on Friday, October 10th at 11:00 A.M. in Ste. Anne Church, 290 Jefferson Ave., Salem. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the D.A.V. Chapter 100, 20 Stevens St., Peabody, MA 01960. For guestbook and additional information, Please visit www.LevesqueFunerals.com