Obituary of James F. Gagniere Sr.

Watertown-A Memorial Mass for James F. Gagniere Sr. 75, of Watertown will be held on Wednesday May 13, 2015 at 11 A.M. at The Holy Family Church in Watertown with Rev. Leo Wiley celebrating. Burial will be at a later date. Mr. Gagniere passed away on May 06, 2015 at his home following a long illness, under the care of Hospice and surrounded by his loving family. Arrangements are under the direction of North Country Cremation Service. James F. Gagniere Sr. was born on October 26, 1939 in Watertown, the son of the late Adelard and Ethel (Beaven) Gagniere. He graduated in 1956 from The Rochester School for the Deaf. On September 9, 1960 he married his soul mate Ms.Sandra Mancino-Lewis in a private nuptial ceremony, later to be blessed at the Church of The Sacred Heart. Mr.Gagniere started his career working for Seabury Motor Express, then as a printer for Hungerford and Holbrook, later for Match Maker Realty. He worked the majority of his life for the United States Postal Service. He retired due to an injury in 1997. James had an immense love of life and family, he never, ever, let his hearing impairment hinder his goals or passions. In his younger years he loved to play Soccer, Football and was a excellent Diver and Swimmer. He was a advid hunter and fisherman, from the shallowest of streams to the deepest of Oceans. James was a World War Two history buff and loved his country so much that on a couple occasions he attempted to join the Military and upon their discovery of his hearing impairment he was denied. He was a man who knew what he wanted, how to accomplish it “Father knows best” was a regularly said statement to his children. He is survived by his wife of 54 years; Sandra, his son James F. Gagniere Jr, his daughters; Laurie “Lori” L. Gokey and Erin L. Decker and her husband Robert. He is survived by his seven grandchildren Michelle and Julia Gagniere, children of James, Alyse Salmons and John Gokey, children of Lori and Adam, Rachel and Benjamin Decker; children of Erin. He is survived by his mother Ethel Gagniere and his sisters and brother-in-laws; Marge and Michael Chiappone, and Yvonne and Gary Morgia, He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Adelard Gagniere and his beloved daughter-in-law Melissa Petrie Gagniere. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Jefferson Country 1398 Gotham St. Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences may be made at www.northcountrycremationservice.com.