William Allan Gagnon — lovingly known as "Moose" and "Opa" — passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, in Dade City, at the remarkable age of 98. Born on April 9, 1928, in Rochester, Bill lived a long and meaningful life defined by service, devotion to family, adventure, music, and enduring love.

Bill was the eldest child of Orrie and Elise Gagnon and grew up alongside his siblings Richard Gagnon "Fuzz", Betty, Beverly, and Mary. From an early age, he carried the quiet strength, steady leadership, and positivity that would guide him throughout his life.

As a young man, Bill served proudly in the United States Army, eventually becoming a tank commander. During his service in postwar Germany, fate introduced him to the love of his life, Ingeborg Anna Gagnon "Inge". Inge had survived the unimaginable hardships of growing up in Germany during World War II. Despite those hardships, she earned a degree in business administration and carried herself with grace, elegance, and determination.

Bill and Inge married in September 1946 in Mainz, Germany, beginning a love story that would span 76 years. Together they built a life rooted in resilience, loyalty, and family — welcoming their son Ronald in 1949, and their daughter Diana in Texas in 1958. As a military family, they traveled extensively, living in Germany, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California.

After retiring from the Army on May 30, 1966, Bill returned with his family to Ogdensburg, New York, earned a bachelor's degree in social work, and dedicated himself to improving the lives of those struggling with mental illness as a psychiatric social worker. He was deeply involved in his community — serving as head of the Boy Scouts, an active union steward, and a participant in local Democratic Party activities.

In 1993, Bill and Inge moved to California to help raise their grandchildren Savina and William Hawkins. Becoming "Oma" and "Opa" brought immense joy. Opa rarely missed a sporting event, serving always as chauffeur, cheerleader, chaperone, storyteller, and steady presence — always showing up with love, support, and a hearty laugh.

In retirement, Bill and Inge became snowbirds, traveling between Ogdensburg and Zephyrhills in their RV, attending bluegrass festivals, and making lifelong memories. After Inge bravely battled leukemia and passed away on April 18, 2023, Bill returned to Zephyrhills for the final chapter of his life, rejoined by his beloved brother Fuzz.

Bill is survived by his children Diana Hawkins Manuelian and Ronald Gagnon; grandchildren Savina Hawkins, William Hawkins, Marco Manuelian, Katherine Gagnon, and Stephan Kallenbach; his brother Richard "Fuzz" Gagnon; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Bill lived nearly a century filled with service, music, travel, friendship, and above all, love of family. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, loyalty, and quiet generosity that will continue through the generations he helped shape.