Obituary of Eric L. Fagnano

Warrensburg: Eric Lincoln Fagnano, 65, of Schroon River Road, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at his home. Born on June 17, 1947 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Edna (Williams) Blaner and the late Richard Fagnano. Eric was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Warrensburg Central School. Following graduation in 1965, he briefly attended Paul Smiths College and then enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in Vietnam from 1966 -1967. He was a “pointman” with the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning) based in Cu Chi. His unit was the 2nd Battalion 14th Infantry (Golden Dragons), “Cannibal Charlie” C Company. He received many awards and medals for his service, including the Conspicuous Service Cross, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry. His unit was featured in a photo-essay titled “The Delta” in the January 1967 issue of “Life” magazine. He (and his family) was forever grateful to PVT Luger for saving his life on at least one hair-raising occasion. Following an honorable discharge from the Army in 1971 he worked for Sweet’s Lumber, Mullen Mayflower, Finch & Pruyn, and the United States Postal Service. He then used GI Bill money to further his education by attending BOCES and Adirondack Community College to learn the building trades. He was a self-employed builder for many years and had an artist’s touch for stone masonry. Eric was especially proud of his stone restoration work at the Yaddo mansion in Saratoga. He married Gail E. Dooley in January 1981 and they lived in the house he built on Schroon River Road in Warrensburg. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Gail Fagnano of Warrensburg, and their two daughters: Jill (Fagnano) Tyler, her husband Logan, their children Danica and Dakota of Stony Creek; Lindsay Fagnano of Hudson Falls. He is also survived by his mother, Edna Blaner of Warrensburg; his brother, Bart Blaner of Vermont; a niece, an aunt and many cousins. He was previously married to the former Susan Osgood, with whom he had 3 children: Amy, Aaron, and Seth. Eric was larger than life, with a ready smile and humorous anecdote for all. He was a true son of the Adirondacks; nursed by the waters of the Schroon River. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, snow shoeing, almost any activity that would reconnect him with the wilderness, and he was a willing guide for his family and friends. He left us with many works that testify to his craftsmanship as a mason, and as a craftsman of words he touched the hearts of many. He was a disabled American veteran and, as old wounds slowed him down, he delighted to spend his later years caring for his grandchildren. He knew fully the horrors of war; the tragedies as well as the blessings of this life. When asked how he was doing, he’d often reply “I’m ambivalent” with a light in his eyes. He found comfort and thanksgiving in the faith of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with whom he was associated all his life. Friends may call on Eric’s family from 6 to 8 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St, Warrensburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will start at 8 pm following the visitation. Burial with full military honors will be conducted at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Friends wishing to follow in procession to the cemetery should meet at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home at 11 am. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences, and directions.