Frank A. Pagano

Frank A. Pagano was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Frank always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Frank was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

       His parents were Mariano and Nicolina Pagano. Frank was raised in Buffalo, New York. Always able to express himself well, Frank possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Frank was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Frank was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Frank was raised with 5 siblings. He had 1 brother Joseph, 4 sisters, Maria, Nancy, Rose, Natalie. Frank had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Frank showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Frank enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in stickball and soccer. He was a boy scout. Frank's memorable achievements included.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Frank was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from McKinley High School, Buffalo, NY in 1944. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was metal shop, wood working and welding. In 1943 he participated in the assembly of P-39 and P-59 airlplanes at Bell Aircraft, Buffalo, NY (Component parts, skin work and pneumatic rivets.

      Friends and acquaintances found Frank an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Frank was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Joe Carruba. Later in life, he became friends with Gary and Trisha Maue, Joe Alessi, George Matusak and Joe Carruba.

      On September 4, 1954 Frank exchanged wedding vows with Mary Ellen Delbel at the St. Lawrence Church of Buffalo, New York. Frank was attentive to May Ellen's feelings, and he charmed May Ellen and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Frank was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Frank identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Frank was blessed with four children, three sons, Frank, John and Jim and one daughter Lisa.

      Frank was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Frank’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Frank was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Frank could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was steamfitter, pipefitter, plumber. He was employed for Central Pipe Corporation and Alessi Brothers Plumbing; United Association Union Member for 24 years from 1965 - 1989.

      Frank was an Army veteran. Frank was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the Army from February 21, 1945 to September 27, 1949; he was a warehouse foreman 252 and supervised 14 men, he was in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign in the South Pacific Islands. Frank saw action for WW II. He achieved the rank of Sergeant 494 Quartermaster Depot Company. He received several awards including a Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WW II Victory Medal. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Frank enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were bulding hobby airplanes and boats that were radio controlled, This included model boats, planes, cars, steam motors and rockets, He also did auto restoration with his sons and daughter, Several restored autos are maintened within the family. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Frank was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included boating, fishing and other water sports. Frank was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball and childrens sports at school.

      Frank was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Frank worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Frank was an active member of the HR Trains, Model Airplane Radio Control Association, Model Boat Radio Control Association, Antique Auto Association of America, Florida Sailing Club in Cape Coral, FL.

      Frank was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Frank was a member of several community groups, including Local volunteer in the community.

      Frank held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member St. Mark's Catholic Church in Buffalo and St. Catherines Catholic Church in Cape Coral.

      Frank’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included numerous craftsmanship awards for his restoration work and best of show for many of his items including boats,planes, cars and trains.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Frank truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included the Florida Coastline.

      Frank was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Frank’s favorites was He loved all the family dogs and cared for them. Enjoyed tropical fish for many years and the family had an aquarium while the children were growing up.

      When Frank’s retirement finally came in in 1989 at the age of 62, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Cape Coral, Florida. In retirement, he found new pleasure inSail boat restoration and building a small row boat.

      Frank passed away on April 28, 2013 at St, John Baptist Hospice House, Buffalo, New York. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen and his children Frank (Mary), John (Mary Ann), James (Deborah) and Lisa (Patrick); grandchildren Nicole, Laure, Vincent Pagano, Dana, Matthew, Erica Pagano, Liam, Colin and Patrick Flynn, his sister Marie Pagano. Services were held at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 3000 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY.

      Frank was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Frank had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Frank A. Pagano.

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PAGANO - Frank Anthony

April 28, 2013, loving husband of Mary Ellen (Delbel); father of Frank (Mary), John (Mary Ann), James (Deborah), Lisa

(Patrick) Flynn; grandfather of Nicole, Laure, Vincent, Dana, Matthew, Erica , James, Michael, Danielle Pagano, Liam, Colin and Patrick Flynn; brother of Marie Pagano. Friends may call Friday 4-8 PM at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials

may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Online condolences to www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com