Gary J Gagnon

On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Gary J Gagnon passed away in Gainesville, FL after a long illness. Gary was born in Methuen, MA on February 13, 1961, to Donald W Gagnon and the late, Carol J. (Connors) Gagnon. Gary attended Methuen Public Schools and excelled in baseball and soccer. His passion for sports led him to attend Springfield College to pursue a degree in sports coaching. After a year, he decided to change career paths and transferred to Fitchburg State College to earn a Computer Science degree. Shortly after graduating, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Janice Chalifour, and began his family and his career in Computer Science at MITRE. Gary was a devoted family man whose biggest passion in life was his family. Even when his kids grew up and moved out of the house, he looked forward to having them back for Sunday BBQs. He also found immense joy in coaching baseball, basketball, and soccer, dedicating his time and energy to shaping young athletes both on and off the field. Gary’s fondest memories were the many days spent coaching and watching his kids play baseball, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics as they grew up. Beyond the sports field, Gary also excelled in his career in national security, working diligently to safeguard his country. For 30 years he worked in various leadership roles at MITRE Corp and at the time of his retirement in 2020 he was Vice President of Cyber Strategy and the Chief Security Officer. Prior to that as Vice President, he led the National Cybersecurity FFRDC, and as senior Vice President he led MITRE’s Intelligence Programs. According to a MITRE internal memo, “he raised the bar on our nation’s cybersecurity.” Gary also led MITRE’s support of the FBI’s National Information Protection Center. Despite his demanding profession, he rarely allowed work to overshadow his time with his family. He had the remarkable ability to seamlessly transition from his office to the ballfield, embodying his commitment to both his career and his loved ones. Gary is survived by his five loving children, his son, Matt, and wife, Jessica, and their two children, Brady and Emilia; his son, Jon, and fiancé, Dani, and their two children, Izabella and Jaxon; his son, Corey, and wife, Erika, and their two children, Haley and Peyton; his daughter, Cassidy and his son, Nicholas, from a second marriage to Renee. In addition to his children, Gary is remembered by his brother Dan, and wife, Diane and his father, Don, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Carol, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life's journey. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to calling hours on Saturday September, 23, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA. A Memorial Service for Gary will start at 12 PM in the funeral home. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, is honored to serve the Gagnon family.

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Gary J Gagnon

February 13, 1961 - August 23, 2023