David A. Gagnon

David Arthur Gagnon (“Dave”) 58, was born on October 21, 1967, and passed away on July 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to his family, community, and country.

Dave is survived by his beautiful daughter, Andrea Gagnon (Gerald Blaske); his cherished grandchildren, Layne, Ripley and Reese; his beloved partner, Jennifer Cameron, Andrea’s mother, Nora Gagnon; his father, Daniel Gagnon, brother Daniel Gagnon (Patti) and sister Michelle Haller (John) and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Gagnon.

A respected Certified Public Accountant, Dave built his career at Gagnon & Associates, CPA, working alongside his father after earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Ulster and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Siena College. He later became Managing Partner and was known for his integrity and professionalism.

Dave was also deeply involved in his community. He served as Past Chairman of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce and gave many hours to Scouting America, including leadership roles as Council President of the Rip Van Winkle Council and District Vice Chair of the Rip Van Winkle District Executive Council.

His military career spanned 35 years in the New York Army National Guard. A graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Dave attained the rank of Colonel. He commanded the Regional Training Institute at Camp Smith in Peekskill and served during the response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Sandy. His service also included a combat deployment to Iraq and training missions in Israel, South Africa, Brazil, and Peru.

Dave devoted more than three decades to the Cottekill Fire Department, serving as Assistant Chief and Fire Chief. He gave selflessly to protect his neighbors and died in the line of duty. Whether at work, in service, or with family and friends, Dave lived with purpose and generosity. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and especially time with his grandchildren, who brought him great joy. Dave’s kindness, courage, and sense of duty touched many lives. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy of service, compassion, and love will endure.

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Kingston, NY. Family and friends may visit at the Ulster County Community College’s Senate Gymnasium, 491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 2pm to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the same location on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10am. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. For those who wish, contributions in David’s memory may be made to Cottekill Fire Company, 240 Cottekill Road, Cottekill, NY 12419 or Rip Van Winkle District, Twin Rivers Council, Scouting America, 1300 Ulster Ave., Suite 107, Kingston, NY 12401. A tribute for David can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.