Joseph Victor Gagnon died March 02, in Lake Havasu City, where he lived for the last 10 years. Prior to his move to Arizona, he lived in Dracut, Mass., for more than 40 years. He was born on May 24, 1932, in Lowell, Mass., son of the late Melina (Soucy) and Francios Xavier Gagnon.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne D. (Baribeault) Gagnon, who was the love of his life. He was the proud father of four children, Suzanne Ventura and her husband Alan, of West Townsend, Mass., Richard Gagnon and his wife Mary Gail, of Ellington, Conn., Karen Gagnon-Fricke and her husband Edwin, of Smyrna, Tenn., and Victor Gagnon and his wife Nancy, of Ann Arbor, Mich. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Lauren Ventura of Brighton, Mass., Thomas Ventura of Los Angeles, Calif., Joellen Gagnon, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jeffery Gagnon, of Ellington, Conn.

Vic worked at MIT Lincoln Laboratory for 39 years and retired as a staff member in 1994. He worked on many research and development projects including the development and flight-testing of the airborne collision avoidance system, known as “TCAS,” now adopted worldwide by all major airlines.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War from April 1951 to April 1955. He graduated from the Airplane and Engine Mechanic and Aircraft Electrical Schools.

Vic was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Lowell, Mass., and also attended Lowell Technological Institute and MIT.

Vic was a Commercial Pilot with Multi Engine, Flight Instructor, and Glider ratings. He built and flew his own homebuilt airplane. He was a long time member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Quiet Birdmen. He was also a member of the American Legion.

He is also survived by his sisters, Lucille Poudrier, of Manchester, Conn., Laurette Caruso, of San Lorenzo, Calif., Alice Baribeault, of Lake Havasu City; and a brother, Emile Gagnon, of Las Vegas, Nev., as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Leon, Raymond and Henry Gagnon; and sisters, Rita Waterhouse and Claire Tanguay.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Lake Havasu City.

A memorial service will be held later at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com.