Roger R. Gagnon, 87, of Salem passed away on Thursday, January 4th, 2018 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA.

Roger was predeceased by his wife Barbara A. Gagnon, grandson Jacob A. Smith, great-granddaughter Chloe E. Retelle, and six siblings: Doris (Gagnon) Potvin, Hubert Gagnon, Vivian (Gagnon) Monty, Odile (Gagnon) Arsenault, Armand Gagnon, Andre Gagnon, and Maurice Gagnon.

Roger is survived by his children: Christine Baerresen and her husband Pete of Henniker NH, Debra Fitzgerald and her husband Robert of Salem NH, Raymond Gagnon and his wife Janet of Danville, NH, Carleen Smith and her husband Wayne of Danville, NH, Michael Gagnon and his wife Leangim of Salem NH, and Michele Martin and her husband Mike of Methuen, MA. His family members also include 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and four siblings: Donald Gagnon, Marie and Jerry Gagnon, Roger and Carol (Gagnon) Branchaud, and Linda (Gagnon) Houde.

Roger fought in one of the most horrific battles of the Korean war, the last Battle of Pork Chop Hill.  His unit was on the front lines just yards from Chinese troops. At one point, the Chinese lobbed a grenade into the collapsed bunker which he and other soldiers were in. It landed near him and he quickly picked up the grenade and threw it toward the opening, but missed. The grenade bounced back toward him. He grabbed it again and threw it outside toward the enemy.

He served in Company K 32 Infantry Division. On another occasion, Roger's brother Armand (his twin) traveled nearly across the Korean peninsula just to meet with him. They could only spend about 15 minutes together because Armand only had a one day pass, but a photograph exists documenting the meeting.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 8th, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, January 9th, at 11:00 AM in Saints Mary and Joseph Parish: Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, NH.

. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com

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