PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Andrew J. “Andy” Gagner, husband, son and brother, entered into eternal rest Sunday, April 25, 2010, at his home. Andy was born Aug. 25, 1966, in Hanover, N.H., son of Susan E. (Hefler) and Gordon C. Gagner. He grew up in nearby Canaan, N.H., where he attended the local elementary school and graduated from Mascoma Regional High School in 1984. He went on to Northeastern University, Boston, where he received his degree in economics in 1990. After college Andy returned to Canaan, N.H., and pursued his passion for cooking, working in several restaurants around the Upper Connecticut River Valley region, including a stint as sous chef at the Quechee Club. His career took him to the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Mich., where he worked as a line cook for a year. Andy moved on to other jobs, including time as head chef on the Delta Queen Riverboat. In 1999 Andy landed in Punta Gorda, Fla., where he could pursue his passion for cooking and his love of golf while working at Kingsway Country Club. He obtained his chef certification from the American Culinary Federation in 2002. Andy married Amanda Dalton in 2008, and they resided in Punta Gorda, Fla. In addition to his wife of two years, Andy is remembered by his father, Gordon of Canaan, N.H.; his mother, Susan and stepfather, Philip Brady, of Little Deer Isle; two sisters, Ann M. Gagner of Canaan, N.H., and Catherine A. Gagner of Standish; his in-laws, Brian and Yvonne Heer of Punta Gorda, Fla.; and friends, Peter Sullivan and Alan Bristow. A Mass will be said for him 4 p.m. Sept. 3 at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Stonington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Andrew J. Gagner Memorial Fund at http://support.shrinershospital.org/goto/AndyGagner or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
ANDREW J. ‘ANDY’ GAGNER
