Eriberto Ramiro Pagana

Eriberto Ramiro Pagana, 89, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Bert was born in Tayabas, Quezon, in the Philippines to Dionisia and Tiburcio Pagana on March 30, 1935.

He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of the East. He became an auditor for the government and traveled to various provinces in the Philippines. In one of those audits is where he met and later married Carmen Azaula Rina on September 21, 1968. They had their first child, Lyra in 1970 and their second child, Irma, in 1971. During this same time, he applied to immigrate to the United States and was approved. Unfortunately, Irma was born needing a new liver. As this was still an experimental procedure back then, Bert delayed the move to the United States. After Irma’s passing, Bert immigrated to Chicago, Illinois where Carmen’s sister (Anely) lived. They both worked and saved up money for the next year and purchased a 2-flat in the Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood to prepare to bring Carmen and Lyra to the U.S. In May of 1972, Carmen and Lyra joined Bert in Chicago.

Bert and his family became parishioners to Queen of Angels Parish. Bert was active in the Men’s Club and the Filipino Club (that his group of friends started). He was also active in the ministries at Queen of Angels. He was a Lecturer, Communion Minister, and was a member of the choir. Upon retirement, he remained in the same family 2-flat until 2016 when he downsized and moved to a condo. Bert continued his love of music and kept singing with the choir. He even taught himself how to play the piano at 70. As he said, “it helped with his arthritis and his memory”. He also took up the guitar and took some lessons at Old Town School of Music. At one point, he bought a new fancy Canon EOS camera to take pictures. He joined a couple photography clubs and began showing some of his photos at the meetings. He would also take pictures at family events and parties and share his photos with everyone.

Bert enjoyed get-togethers for any reason – holidays, birthdays, dinner dances, etc. and good food which includes his favorite…crabs (of any kind)! He had the greatest joy cracking crabs and being able to pull the meat out without it breaking. He would have a smile on his face from ear to ear and made sure that everyone at the table saw his accomplishment.

Bert is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Lyra (Kurt) Long and his only and beloved granddaughter Karina Jasmine Long (12); his sister, Virginia Pagana Caja, as well as numerous relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Carman Rina Pagana; his daughter. Irma Pagana; his parents Dionisia and Tiburcio Pagana; brother Armando Pagana and sister Yolanda Pagana Tagarao.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. Vigil Prayer/40 Day Prayer at 6:30pm.

The Funeral Mass (Requiem Mass) will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 10:30 am at Queen of Angels Church at Queen of Apostles Parish, 2330 West Sunnyside Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625 with the Interment to follow at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery, Niles, IL. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow. Further details will be shared soon.

40 Days of Prayer for the Faithfully Departed began on March 24, 2025. Day 40 will be May 2, 2025.

Fond memories of Eriberto “Bert” may be expressed at www.drakeandsonfuneralhome.com