Arthur J. Gagne III, 60, of Plantsville, formerly of Northford and Middletown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18th, 2021 with family by his side after a nearly four-year long battle with Stage IV cancer and the devastating effects of a stroke shortly after his diagnosis. Art was the beloved husband for over 32 years to Nancy (Winter) Gagne and the best friend and father to his son (AJ) Arthur J. Gagne IV of which they shared an inseparable bond.  Art was born on January 5, 1961 in Meriden to Shirley (Smith) Gagne and the late Arthur J. Gagne, Jr. and grew up in Northford graduating from North Branford High School in 1979.  Throughout his life, Art worked at various auto body shops until he found his home at First Line Emergency in Cromwell with his dear friend, Bill Sullo, for over 25 years. Art enjoyed working on motorcycles, playing guitar, playing cards, fishing and spending time with his large extended family and much-loved friends.  Art was always willing to lend a hand when people needed one and a devoted friend to many.  His greatest pride was the birth of his son, AJ, who was Art’s rock throughout his illness and the best son a father could ever have.  In addition to wife Nancy, son AJ and mother Shirley, Art is also survived by his brother Charles (Chuck) Gagne, a niece and three nephews, several aunts and uncles, a host of cousins too numerous to count, a multitude of friends, who will miss him dearly and his beloved cats he affectionately referred to as “the girls”.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Farrell and all the wonderful staff at the Connecticut Oncology Group for giving Art and his family nearly four years of time together, the doctors and nurses at Middlesex Hospital for the best care he always received there and to the compassionate staff at the CT Hospice, Branford for all the comfort and support they gave Art and family in his final days.  A special thank you to all of the family and friends for all of their love, support and prayers throughout Art’s illness, to the Red Dog family for the beautiful fundraiser and the many friendships along the way, to the countless people too numerous to mention that shared all the good times, the music and the laughs – God bless you all for being a part of Art’s amazing life. “Ride on Art, until we meet again”

The visiting hours will be Sunday, May 23rd, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A service will be conducted on Monday morning, May 24th in the funeral home at 10:00. Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bikers Against Animal Cruelty @https://bikersagainstanimalcruelty.org or a charity of one’s choice.  A celebration of Art’s life will be announced at a later date.