Stephen J. Gagnon, 63, of Manchester, died and went to Heaven on Thursday, March 2, 2017, after waging a 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis that lasted until his last breath. He was born in Manchester on May 3, 1953, to the late Raymond and Anna Gagnon, and graduated from Howell Cheney Technical High School in 1972, studying carpentry. While he lived in Manchester most of his life, Stephen called New Horizons Village in Unionville his home for more than 15 years. He returned to Manchester several years ago, living at Crestfield Rehabilitation Center until his death. Stephen worked at the Coca-Cola Co. in East Hartford and the former Apollo manufacturing in Manchester, where he was a cabinet maker. He had a passion for working with his hands, making his illness a tragedy for one who loved to build, sweat, and get covered in sawdust eventually lost the ability to do so. Described by his family as the toughest guy in the world, he also was the nicest and most sensitive. He had a contagious smile and dancing eyes that spoke when he couldn't. As proud as he was of his vocation, he was most honored to be a father and grandfather, two roles that gave him a reason to live. He also prided himself on his ability to slim down through the TOPS club, losing in excess of 50 pounds at his best. Stephen leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Kayle Gagnon of Manchester; grandchildren, Paige, Stephen, and Katie Gagnon of Manchester; brother, Dennis Gagnon, and his wife, Karen, of Putnam; sister, Linda Gagnon, and her husband, Ken Lance, of Marlborough; sister, Joyce Brookins, and her husband, Don, of Colorado; and many nieces and a nephew. His former wife, Penny, predeceased him. The family would like to thank the staff and residents at New Horizons and Crestfield, many of whom had become like family to him. Calling hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Church of the Assumption, 29 S. Adams St., Manchester. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to New Horizons Inc., 37 Bliss Road, Unionville, CT 06085; or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org.