Richard J. "Dick" Gagnon, Jr.

Kinderhook- Richard J. "Dick" Gagnon, Jr., a New York State Licensed Funeral Director and dual resident of Kinderhook, New York, and Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2026, at the age of 65, surrounded by the love of his mother and wife.

Born in Tupper Lake, New York, on June 25, 1960, Dick was the son of Patricia (Boyer) Richer and the late Richard J. Gagnon, Sr. He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1978 and continued his education at Herkimer County Community College before earning an Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from the Simmons Institute of Funeral Service.

Dick dedicated more than 40 years to serving families as a funeral director in Valatie and continued his lifelong calling at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Castleton Funeral Home, and Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home. Throughout his distinguished career, he was known for the compassion, dignity, and genuine care he brought to every family he served. Dick believed deeply in supporting his community with love and respect during life's most difficult moments. A steady presence with a generous heart, he spent his life guiding others through grief with kindness, compassion, and quiet strength.

On May 20, 1995, Dick married Cheryl Warner in Tupper Lake, New York. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and devotion.

Dick was a proud and devoted father who welcomed his two daughters into the world on December 16, 1996, and March 29, 2000. Regina Katherine and Celia Lynn were the greatest joys of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Beyond the funeral home, Dick continued serving his community as the Assistant Chief of the Kinderhook Fire Company. He was also a proud member of the Kinderhook Elks Lodge #2530 and the Northern Columbia Lions Club, organizations through which he further demonstrated his commitment to helping others.

In his free time, Dick treasured nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. Whether he was golfing at Maple Leaf, fishing in Canada, making maple syrup, faithfully attending HerkFest, or preparing enough food to feed what felt like an entire zip code, he had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. His laughter carried through kitchens, campgrounds, golf courses, and backyards, turning ordinary gatherings into memories to be cherished for generations.

Dick was predeceased by both of his fathers, Richard J. Gagnon, Sr. and Arthur Richer.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia A. Richer; his beloved wife, Cheryl J. (Warner) Gagnon; and his cherished daughters, Regina Katherine Gagnon and Celia Lynn Gagnon. He is also survived by his siblings, Jackie Gagnon O'Brien (Chris), Adele Richer Greenebaum (Michael), Arthur Richer, Jr. (Leslie), Ronald Richer (Suzanne), Patricia Richer (Niels); as well as Cheryl's immediate family, her mother, Margaret Warner (Dan); and her siblings, Teresa Warner Maiuri (John), Dean Warner (Michelle), and Allen Warner, who Dick considered part of his own immediate family.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Dick's family from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY 12144. Dick's funeral liturgy will be celebrated by his dear friend, Monsignor Donald Rutherford, at 10:00 a.m., on June, 8, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Rd. Troy, NY 12180. A private graveside ceremony will be held at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake, New York, where Dick will be laid to rest in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Dick's memory.

Dick's funeral arrangements have been entrusted to his colleagues and family at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, in Rensselaer, NY.