Philip Robert Gagnon Jr., 59, passed away on October 16, 2024, in Boston, Massachusetts from longstanding health issues . Philip was born on May 22, 1965 in West Hartford, CT. He attended Union School and St. Thomas Moore Academy before graduating from Northwest Catholic High School in 1985. He was an Air Force Veteran serving 5 years from June 21, 1985, to July 30, 1990.

Philip leaves behind a loving family, including his oldest daughter Chenae Russell, bonus daughter Cherelle Russell, youngest daughter Janelle Gagnon and son Marcell Joiner in Connecticut. He is also survived by his father, Philip R. Gagnon (Judy) in San Diego, CA, his mother, Carole L. Doyle (Chris) in Ludlow,PA, his sisters, Jillian Frisbie  (John), Stephanie Walmsley(Jonathan) in San Diego, CA and Monique German (Patrick) in Wayne, ME. He also leaves behind cousins, Jim and Gina Magennis in Canton, CT and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and more. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Philip T. and Lillian M. (Langlois) Gagnon as well as his maternal grandparents, Leland D. and Rosalie M. (Jasinski) Mullen.

He was the oldest child and only son out of 4 children all close in age. Growing up he had an infectious sense of humor that made others laugh. He would often playfully joke around with his 3 younger sisters but sometimes spared his baby sister because she was youngest. As a child he was a ring leader for his sisters, directing plays to be performed in the living room, and inventing songs or chants for McDonald's and any other childhood requests he thought he could convince his parents to partake in. He enjoyed spending time in Nova Scotia, Canada with his grandparents where he loved fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his grandfather's hunting beagle pups. He was a naturally talented musician and could sit at a piano and compose an original song at a moment's notice. He mastered playing the drums. He had a talent in computer skills and gaming. He loved all things aircraft and flying which led him to serve in the Air Force.

He had a loving heart and that was seen in the time he spent with his family especially his children. He loved becoming a father to Chenae and with his big heart and compassion he also was a Father to Cherelle. As young children they enjoyed the time they had with him at the park, with their toys and books. He had challenges with mental illness, trauma, and addiction throughout his life. Despite these challenges which hindered him being there for his oldest daughters, he was able to be there to raise his youngest daughter Janelle for 10 years which brought him so much joy and laughter. He had enjoyed cooking for her, playing games and bringing her around Boston.

He took accountability for his actions and would always share how sorry he was for his issues and not being there. Encouraging his kids to be better than him. He began getting closer to God, reading the Bible and always had intentions of continuously fighting and getting better despite mental & physical ailments. He was looking for encouragement to get himself through. He made friends with many at the Amy Lowell apartments during his time living there. It was said how many of them loved him and saw the beautiful and kind side of him. He will be missed by his family and those who saw his heart and true self beyond mental illness, addiction, and trauma.

There will be no memorial service but family will have small private immediate family gatherings.

Memorial donations can be made in Philip's name to:

Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH) https://www.mamh.org/contribute/donate ,

NAMI Boston https://namiboston.org/donate / and Wounded Warrior Project https://tinyurl.com/yjhze7jr .