Pembroke, NH – Retired Pembroke Fire Chief Paul M. Gagnon, 70, of Pembroke, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends after a brief period of declining health.
Born in Concord, Paul was the son of the late Maurice “Moe” and Fleurette “Flo” (Drake) Gagnon. He was raised and educated in Pembroke, was a graduate of Pembroke Academy Class of 1973, and resided here his entire life.
On June 1, 1974, Paul was appointed to the Pembroke Fire Department. He worked his way through the ranks of Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Chief before ultimately being appointed Chief on January 1, 2021. He served in this capacity until his retirement on March 29, 2025, marking over 50 years of service to the Town of Pembroke. In the 1970s, he also volunteered with the former Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Paul proudly served as a member of the United States National Guard from 1975 until his honorable discharge in 1981 with the rank of Corporal.
Furthering his commitment to public safety, Paul was hired by the Concord Police Department on November 19, 1978. Through the years, he worked as a Juvenile Detective and also served as President of the NH Police Association from May, 1996 through May, 1997. After 22 years of service to the City of Concord, Paul retired as a Sergeant on July 13, 2001.
Never one to be idle, Paul became the Technology Coordinator at the Epsom Central School after his retirement from the police department and served in this position until June of 2022.
Paul was a faithful and dedicated member of the Grace Capital Church in Pembroke. He served on the Safety Committee, managed technology for several services, delivered messages and demonstrated consistent, spiritual leadership. Always thinking of others, Paul volunteered his time with Family Promise, was a supporter of The Friendly Kitchen, and was a visible presence in his community, supporting local businesses and individuals.
In his spare time, Paul enjoyed road-tripping with Pam, his daily coffee shop visits, Buck-A-Shuck Wednesdays at his favorite restaurant in Maine, trips to botanical and sculpture gardens, staying at B&B’s and exploring the area around them, trying new restaurants and eating out with friends. Paul loved having the grandchildren over and enjoyed being with family. He is a member of the ARRL organization and he enjoyed talking on the HAM radio. Paul and Pam recently took a trip to see the ARK in Kentucky.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Pamela D. (LaRose) Gagnon; his two children. John Gagnon and Janelle Lavin and her husband Leo, IV. He was the grandfather to Lauren Cotnoir, Jack Colby, Ava Lavin, and Leo Lavin, V. He is also survived by his two sisters, Pauline Ginn and Darlene Allaire and her husband Ronald, and his loving nieces, nephews great nieces, and great nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, June 4th from 4 to 7 P.M. in The Roan Family Funeral Home, 167 Main St. in Pembroke. A Celebration of His Life will be held in the Grace Capital Church, 542 Pembroke St. in Pembroke on Friday, June 5th at 11 A.M with reception to follow. Burial will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be sent to the Grace Capital Church, 542 Pembroke St. Pembroke, NH 03275 or the Community Action Program, PO Box 1016, Concord, NH 03301. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com
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