Frank T. PAGANO's Obituary
Frank T. Pagano, 93 of Oshkosh, formerly of Anchorage, AK passed peacefully at home with his family by his side on March 10, 2021. Born in Kodiak, AK August 24, 1927 to the late Michael Angelo and Margaret (Hubley) Pagano. Frank served briefly in the Army at the end of WWII then re-enlisted and served in the 3rd Airborne Ranger Co. as a rifleman and radio operator in the Korean War. He returned to Kodiak after his discharge and married Ellen Simeonoff May 19, 1956. Frank remained in Kodiak where he served in the local police department and then the National Guard. He moved his family to Anchorage in 1966 when he was promoted to the National Guard Headquarters rising to the rank of Command Sargent Major. On retiring from the Guard Frank worked for the FAA Civil Rights office in Anchorage recruiting many veterans and minorities for training and employment. During these years Frank also spent his vacation time commercial fishing in the Kodiak area. Frank continued working after retiring from the FAA. He served as president of Koniag, Inc. helping to return the Native corporation to solvency. He also helped bring his village corporation of Leisnoi out of storage boxes and back into operations. Frank and Ellen spent a great deal of their leisure time in Seward and Homer where they kept a motorhome and boat. Family and friends who were the guest of this gracious host would spend time fishing in the area for salmon, shrimp, crab, and clams. Every 4th of July the family would gather in Homer with a trip to Seldovia for the local festivities. His family was very important to him and he would be there to help anytime anyone needed help. Frank looked forward to yearly Ranger reunions meeting the new young Rangers and reuniting with the men he fought next to Korea.
Frank is survived by his wife Ellen Pagano. Children: Michale Pagano, AZ; Joseph Fadaoff, AK; Charlotte (Steve) Stich of Oshkosh. Carole Pagano (Leanard Zaiser) AZ;
Grandchildren: Thomas (Sarah) Helmuth, Oshkosh; Steven (Dayna) Stich, AK; Kelley Stich, IA; Tonya (Kyle) Wagg, AZ; Jenny Zaiser, AZ, Kaity Zaiser, AZ; Anisia Sisikin (Shane Polesie)UT.
Great Grandchildren: Jayden Cota, Lawrence Wagg, Palmer & Bristol Helmuth, Nena Stich, and Kohlden Polesie
Brothers: August (Janet) Heitman, Patrick (Caroline) Heitman. Sister: Merle Gundlach
Frank is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters: Gen. Edward Pagano, Milton Pagano, Shirley Crawford, Vivian Buekers Gladys Rosier, Sally McLaughlin, and Doddie Heitman.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 12 noon at Lake View Memorial Park Chapel. Deacon John Ingala will officiate. Visitation will be held in the chapel from 11 am until the time of service. Full military honors will follow the service.
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