Stephen Thomas "Steve" Gagnon, 74, of North Fort Myers, Fl., passed away on September 10, 2024, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Fl.

Born September 18, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, Steve grew up in Dayton, Lima, Mansfield and Wooster, Ohio, where he attended Wooster High School and met his future wife, Sandra. He graduated from Wooster High School in 1967. He served his state and country for six years as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He attended Kent State University and later the University of Akron, where he earned associate's and bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer at Rubbermaid in Wooster, Ohio; Betz Entec in Horsham, Pa.; and was co-owner of Global Chem-Feed Solutions, LLC, in Warminster, Pa., for nine years.

Steve earned his private pilot's license in 1980. He went on to earn his instrument, multi-engine, commercial and flight instructor ratings. Flying and teaching people to fly was his life's passion. He served in the Civil Air Patrol as a Captain for close to 10 years. Over the last 20 years of his life, he could be found working at home or at his hangar building his Cozy experimental aircraft. He was an active member of his local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter in Fort Myers, most recently serving as its president and working to raise funds for the chapter to build a new hangar.

Steve was the beloved husband to Sandra Gagnon for 54 years. Together they enjoyed life and set an example for others to emulate. He was also a loving father to his children, Heidi and Tom, and took an active role in his kids' lives and activities. Steve was always kind and cheerful to everyone he met and greeted others with a smile and his sunny disposition. Steve made a positive impact on the world and everyone who was blessed to know him.

Survivors are his wife, Sandra (nee Butdorf) Gagnon of North Fort Myers, Fl., daughter Heidi (Bill) Griesmer of Hilliard, Ohio, daughter-in-law Margaret (nee Spencer) Gagnon of Wooster, Ohio, brothers James (Beth), William (Marcia), and Timothy Gagnon, and grandchildren Ryan (Liz) and Devin Griesmer. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Wanda (nee Votaw) Gagnon, brother David Gagnon and son Thomas Gagnon.

A memorial will be held at a date and place to be determined.

Information and online condolences at Legacy.com.