Frank Pagura

Frank Enzo Pagura, died unexpectedly from a heart attack on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Sugar Land, Texas. His wife, Trina, and three daughters, Aimee, Abigail, and Avery are devastated to lose their rock and stronghold.

Frank was born on May 5, 1973, in Yonkers, New York to Frank Enzo Sr. & May Pagura. Frank revered his older brother David. The pair, though wildly different, had an incredible respectful brotherhood and friendship. From the get-go, Frank was an extrovert, loved the company of others, and according to friends, was destined to be successful. Frank credits many of his accomplishments to the sacrifice and drive of his own parents. He was very proud of their fortitude, and their individual cultural heritages. They, in turn, were completely proud of Frank and all his achievements.

Frank attended the United Stated Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. There his New Yorker identity belied his stature. Frank could hold his own in any verbal volley, with a special vigor regarding New York sports teams. With his infectious personality, Frank attracted people into his sphere via music, humor, and genuine charisma. He fully charmed his way into his classmate’s sponsor family. He enviably flew the 386 Flight simulator while everyone else studied. He was a core member of the 14th company.

Frank met his beloved wife Trina during the summer of 1996 while on the USS Princeton. They found each other during a pub crawl in Oahu and have been singing, dancing, and laughing together ever since. Frank was completely committed to their marriage, declaring Trina his “dream woman.” They balanced each other out. His daughters state that they never wondered about their parents’ love for each other. Through years of travel, work trips, dance competitions and concerts, Frank was a loyal patriarch for his entire family.

A Girl-Dad to his core, Frank and Trina’s three daughters were the light of Frank’s life. He spoke proudly of each of their strong characters, distinct individuals, yet fiercely bonded. He was a superb listener, and gave the best, most clear-headed advice on any problem they confronted him with. He taught each of them to drive—tentative at first, then declaring all three “naturals.” Frank’s daughters report that he was a “larger than life kind of guy.” His big voice and infectious laugh permeated a group, and everyone felt his presence. He communicated with corny dad humor, with many cat memes, and an affinity for cute, nerdy stuff he found on his travels. He reminded them on their best and worst days that they were smart and beautiful. He was supportive of whatever made them happy. He encouraged new experiences and an omnivore food palette. He told them to surround themselves with good people who care. And one phrase he instilled in his daughters was 100% Frank to his essence: Assume positive intent. It was a life mantra that served him well.

He was proud to be a part of the Navy “franchise”: his achievements at the Naval Academy, his years of service as a surface warrior, his patriotism for our country, and his misfit company of friends.

Frank’s post-Navy career has been with Varco, Komatsu, Waukesha-Pearce Industries. As an indispensable and tireless account manager throughout the US and Japan, colleagues categorized him as a natural leader, motivator, and problem-solver. Co-workers characterized him as everyone’s friend; his charm was loud and outsized in any room.

Frank believed in working hard, in nice cars—the Ford Merkur XR4TI and BMW M3 in particular, in espresso machines, ALL the equipment needed for hunting, fishing, golf… He may have been slightly obsessed with their cat Lucy. He knew no limits when it came to video games, and concert tickets. In fact, Frank, his brother David, and his cousin Ed were notorious for their online gaming (Zombies) every weekend that would extend into the wee hours of the night. He never missed an opportunity to play Mario Cart or Pokémon with his girls. Moreover, his concert list ranks high among his lifetime achievements, a catalogue of 300+ live acts all around the country. He surprised his daughters with the best tickets to some unforgettable concerts. He was a consummate 80s music fan, with high-synth bands like Pet Shop Boys, Asia, Erasure, and Depeche Mode at the top of his charts. He could dominate any game of 80s-related Name That Tune. And now, in our hearts he will remain forever young.

Frank is survived by his wife Trina, daughters Aimee, Abigail, and Avery Pagura of Sugar Land, Texas, parents Frank Enzo Sr. and May, and brother David of Yonkers, New York, cousin Ed, mother-in-law Christine Knierim, step-mother-in-law Rita Knierim, sisters-in-law Katie Cortes (Octavio) and Laura Jane Jones, brothers-in-law Kevin Knierim (Michelle) and Christian Bennett (Jess), nieces Kaylee, Mackenzie, Annora, nephews Dylan, Michael, Fletcher), life-long friends Bob Varghese and Joe Szoeke, and USNA Class of ’95 14th company, among many other friends and family. Frank is predeceased by his father-in-law Curtis Knierim.

A visitation will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, in Chapel C & D, located at 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY, on January 1, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY, on January 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

The committal service will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Ave., Hawthorne, NY, on January 2, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late January in Sugar Land, Texas. Details to be determined.