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Francesco Pagano Obituary
Francesco "Frank" Pagano (1949-2025)
Frank Pagano, 76, of Lockport, IL, peacefully passed away at home on January 20, 2025, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Italy, in 1949 to Pietro and Provvidenza Pagano, Frank served in the Italian Navy before becoming a lifeguard at his hometown beach. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary, during her vacation in the summer of 1971. Shortly after, Frank moved to New York and then to Chicago to be with her. The couple married on June 30, 1973, and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2023.
Frank was an active member of St. Dennis Parish, the St. Dennis Men's Club, and the American Italian Cultural Society. He and Mary were proud business owners in Lockport, IL, for over 40 years, including Pagano Foods, Liquor Plus, and Pizza Plus on State Street. He was also a lifelong soccer enthusiast, and well known amongst his family and friends for his homemade pizza parties.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Mary Pagano (née Portuesi); children Peter Pagano (wife Rima), Angela Pagano, and Joseph Pagano (wife Amanda); grandchildren Sophia, Anna, and Norah; siblings Giuseppa (née Pagano) (husband Patrick) Mahoney, Francesca Maria Pagano (husband Guiseppe Nevoloso), Piera Pagano, and Giuseppe (wife Caterina) Pagano; and sister-in-law Toni (née Portuesi) (husband James) Bannon.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Pietro and Provvidenza (née Caccamo) Pagano.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lightways Hospice (250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL)
Visitation Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Dennis Church in Lockport, IL, on Friday, January 24 at 10:00 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francesco Pagano
Sponsored by O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport.
6 Entries
Susan Wagner Rasek
February 2, 2025
Mary, you may remember me...your wonderful father hired me right out of college back in the 70´s, at his place on route 7 in Lockport. I have the most wonderful, loving memories of you, your dad that poured me a glass of beer every night after closing, of your mom and Toni, and, of course, "poochie" Pagano, standing back there in the kitchen tossing dough around and listening to us sillies laughing all night! Ah yes, Poochie Pagano, remember? I will love you and your family forever...you all are a part of me. God bless you and help you through your loss. Susan
Sandy Ross Steele
January 25, 2025
Dear Mary & Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Frank. Through the years of our working together at First Natl. Bank of Joliet, and from the day of your wedding and of living with our back yards touching, I so enjoyed my friendship with you and Frank. Please know that I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. Sending hugs and..... also.....Que seri, Mar.
The Bearlund Family
January 22, 2025
Dear Mary and Family:
We are so sad to hear about Frank. He was such a kind caring person and he will be missed. We hope that all the wonderful memories you have will help you through this difficult time. May God bless you and your family in this of sorrow.
Denise Mushro Rumchak
January 22, 2025
Dearest Mary and family. I have many happy memories over the years with Frankie. Three that come in mind is when he threw me in the pool with my cloths on, second when he threw a whole bag of my shoes in the garbage after staying with your in FL, lastly my favorite was coming to the house for homemade pizzas. Oh and of course brother George more hair more money. Love you Frank thanks for all the memories.
Ginny n Norm Beaton
January 22, 2025
Mary n family, our deepest sympathies to you. Know our thoughts n prayers are with you.
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O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441
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