Michael Angelo Pagano

Michael, age 67, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024. He is survived by his mother, Ellen Pagano, sisters Charlotte (Steve) Stich (WI), Carole Pagano (Lenny Zaiser) (AZ), 2nd cousin Joseph Fadaoff (AK), and his nieces and nephew Tonya Pagano Wagg (AZ), Thomas Helmuth (WI), Jenny Zaiser (AK), Kaitlyn Zaiser (AZ), and Kelley Stich (IA).

Michael began gill net fishing at Toshwok in Uganik Bay with his Grandfather Kelly Simeonoff Sr. when he was 13 years old. Michael eventually bought the fishing permits from his grandparents and ran the gill net site until he sold the permits when he was in his late 50’s.

He graduated from A.J. Dimond High School in 1975. Michael spent a lot of time on the slopes of Mt. Alyeska. He was an avid “Hot Dog” skier in the 70’s and attended Airborne Eddies Freestyle Ski Camp and also enjoyed Helicopter skiing.

He completed an associate degree at UAA. He worked as an aid in Washington D.C. for Alaska Senator Frank Murkowski, and worked for the Alaska Native Village Corporation Leisnoi, Inc.

as President. Michael also served on the Board of Directors for Alaska Native Regional Corporation Koniag from 1981-1990.

Eventually Michael began spending the Winter months outside of Alaska and found his home in Mesa, AZ at the Good Life RV Resort. He found a love for music playing the guitar, writing music, and “Jamming” with friends in the RV park.

A visitation and gathering for Michael will be held Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens Agave Venue, 6747 East Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206, followed by a celebration of life from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

The family would like to thank all of his friends at Good Life RV Resort for their friendship and helping Michael throughout the Years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Pagano family. To receive updates on current or future services and shared memories for Michael Angelo Pagano, please see below to sign up for email or text notifications.

Please contact the staff of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care for questions or comments.