June Gagnepain
June Frisella Gagnepain, age 92, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025.
June was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Peter Frisella and Angelina (Candela) Frisella on
September 3, 1932. The daughter of Italian immigrants from Montelepre, Italy, June was
raised with seven older brothers in a loving family who spoke Italian and English.
She was preceded in death by Charles Gagnepain (husband), Tom Gagnepain (son) and
Sharon Johnson (daughter). She is survived by her son, Jim Gagnepain, daughter in law
Stephanie Gagnepain (Patschke), daughter Mary Camerano (Gagnepain), son in law Joe
Camerano, daughter Karen Lewis (Gagnepain), son Matt Gagnepain, daughter in law Kathy
Gagnepain (Klockenkemper) and son in law Steve Johnson. Loving grandmother of Emily
Valentin (Gagnepain), Vince Gagnepain, Natalie Lewis, Alex and Nick Camerano, Mary Kay
Barnett (Gagnepain), Alex Barnett, Alex and Matt Morrissey, Tori and Sophia Gagnepain and
great grandmother of Charlie Cannon.
June raised six children and enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, bridge,
entertaining and reading. She was an amazing cook and prepared family recipes that came
from her parent’s birthplace in Sicily. June was the matriarch of the family. She often
arranged and hosted the family Christmas celebration as well as get-togethers for her brothers at her Saint Louis home. For many years, she organized the massive get-togethers of the
Frisella family reunion, sending out hundreds of invitations. She was a founding owner and the first bookkeeper for the well-known St. Louis business, St. Louis Electric Supply and Metro Lighting. In her later years she enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and watching her son, Matt perform at various restaurants in St. Louis.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 25th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
17 Ann Ave., Valley Park, Missouri with a Visitation at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00 am,
followed by lunch in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Piazza Imo on the St. Louis Hill, where a
memorial plaque will honor her with her family, as she was the last member of the first generation of the Pietro Frisella family. Please use the QR code to make a memorial donation.
We did not know June personally but sure wish we had. We love Mary and Joe and are excited to participate in this memorial plaque her honor. We had the privilege of visiting the fountain in July and its a beautiful place…Blessings and Peace to all your family!
I was so sad to hear of June’s passing. She was a beautiful lady and I greatly enjoyed meeting her and sharing our family. She will be missed. Sincerely, Chris & Lisa
So sad to hear of June’s passing. She was a lovely lady and we enjoyed spending time with her during her last visit to Punta Gorda. She had a wonderful spirit and I’m sure the family has countless memories through the years that will carry that spirit on. We wish you our deepest condolences and please know that our thoughts are with you.
Matt, my heart felt prayers and love of family are with you and your family in this time of sadness and loss of the Beautiful Matriarch.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Darrish
Matt, my prayers and love of family are with you and you in this time of sadness and loss of the Beautiful Matriarch.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Darrish
June was my aunt and my Godmother. She was a kind and caring person who always had a welcoming smile when she greeted others. Just a lovely lady with a beautiful complexion. She was loved and respected by so many. She will never be forgotten.