Henry A. "Hank" Pagano's Obituary
Henry A. “Hank” Pagano, 96, of Syracuse, departed this earth surrounded by his loving family on December 18, 2022. He was born in Troy, NY, son of the late Vincent and Mary Pagano. Hank was a proud U.S. Navy veteran serving in the Pacific Rim during WWII. He worked as a carpenter for over 50 dedicated years at Syracuse Parks and Recreation, retiring in 1988. Hank was one of the oldest members of Local 12 Carpenter’s Union. Hank was also a member of the Golden Agers Senior Group, and Friday Morning Breakfast Club at Ray’s Kidz on Pond Street. He was a longtime member of the Holy Name Society, Usher’s Guild, Altar Server, and volunteered at the food pantry at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church for many years. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Hank provided rides for any of the Pompei Nuns that couldn’t drive themselves. Hank was always quick to assist anyone in need. He was happy and willing to lend a hand and provide free labor to friends and neighbors when needed, as well as remodeling each of his children’s and grandchildren’s homes. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending summers at their camp on Lake Ontario, spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to play cards and games. They loved spending time with him as well and receiving their weekly allowances. Hank was a role model to his children and grandchildren and led by example with his Christian faith.
He was predeceased by eight siblings, his great granddaughter, Angel and daughter-in-law, Mary Anne.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Esther (Pascarella) Pagano; five children, Mary (Michael) Fonak, Vincent (Denise) Pagano, Frank Pagano, Ann (Anthony) Palmer and Elizabeth (Anthony) Madonna; 14 grandchildren, Noelle, Ashlee, Michael, Vincent II, Vanessa, Rodney, Christine, Jennifer, Lisa, Henry, Andrew, Candace, Zachariah and Emma; 11 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, December 23, 2022 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Henry’s life at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse, NY. Henry will be laid to rest with Military Honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s name may be made to Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church Building Fund.
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