It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce the passing of my Dad Roger Pagano. He left us in the early hours of Monday, June 22nd. I am truly heartbroken and the world has lost a special person and a one of a kind human being. Those of you who knew him, know that he was always jolly, always cracking a joke, usually a bit inappropriate, but funny nonetheless and always willing to help a friend. As a NYC Firefighter, he put his life on the line for 20 years in the service of others and loved every minute of it.
My Dad was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandpa, and friend to all.
Mom and Dad have been together since they were teenagers and he still looked at her the same way as if he was seeing her for the first time. He would always say isn’t my “sweetie pie” beautiful. Even with my Mom battling dementia, he never wavered in his love and devotion to her. That is a sign of a great man. When I came out to my parents, I knew they would probably take it well, however, there is always some doubt. When I told them, my Dad’s response was “you are my son and I will love you no matter what” and he gave me a big Dad hug. I knew no matter what the rest of the world thought of me, my Mom and Dad had my back. I realize how lucky I am to have gotten that response since many people do not have that type of support and unconditional love, especially from their Fathers. And for this, I am eternally grateful.
I will treasure the moments we had together from our big gatherings on Christmas Eve, to our 3-hour family dinners out when it would be just our family, laughing and enjoying a good meal and each other’s company; to me, you and Mom going to the diner and you “stealing” napkins and telling Mom to put them in her pocketbook. And our times more recently with you and I sitting on the couch watching Judge Judy.
I feel like this tribute is not doing my Dad justice, but it is so hard to put into words how WONDERFUL and accepting this man was. For those of you lucky enough to have met him, if even for a minute, you know what I mean. I take comfort knowing that he is now with my Sister, Florence, his parents and my Mom’s parents. I am broken right now but I know that I will laugh again, which is one of the greatest lessons you have taught me, the power of being able to find humor in even the worst of times. I will always smile when I think of you even though it is tough right now. I miss hearing Rogerino.
His viewing will be at Cobble Hill Chapel, 171 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY, Thursday, June 25th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM.
https://cobblehillchapels.com/
We will have a short service for him on Friday, June 26th at 10 AM at Sacred Heart and St Stephens on Hicks St. and Summit in Brooklyn, NY
http://sacredhearts-ststephen.com/
In lieu of flowers or gifts, we are requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer Foundation in my Father’s name. He has been caring for my Mom who is battling Dementia. The Alzheimer Foundation offers support and services to caregivers who are dealing with loved ones affected by this disease.