DETROIT ~ Joe Gagnon, known to generations of radio listeners as “The Appliance Doctor,” died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at age 84. Gagnon built a broadcasting career that combined appliance expertise, consumer advocacy, and practical advice, becoming a familiar voice on 760 WJR and radio stations across the country for more than 25 years.
Gagnon’s radio success grew from his extensive experience in the appliance industry and his work in consumer affairs. Through his programs, newspaper columns, and two books, he helped consumers make informed purchasing decisions, avoid unnecessary repairs, and recognize fraudulent business practices. He also served as a fraud investigator for Detroit Consumer Affairs and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, bringing attention to consumer issues that reached a national audience.
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