FORT EDWARD – Anthony “Tony” Pagana, 88, of Fort Edward, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Albany Medical Center, after a long illness.
Born on September 25, 1928, in Sicily, Italy, he was the son of the late Guiseppe and Francesca (Martella) Pagana.
Anthony was a graduate of Fort Edward high school, where he started the photography club.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958.
On December 28, 1969, Anthony was united in marriage to Elaine Jarvis, in Hudson Falls, NY.
Anthony worked many years for Hercules and Ciba Geigy. Prior to that, he worked for General Electric, and as a machinist for Daniel Heil. Upon his retirement, he started “The Lock Shop.”
He was an avid photographer, hunter, and was a gunsmith. He loved snowmobiling, the balloon festival, his beagle, and he could fix anything. He enjoyed listening to his CB radio. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Fort Edward American Legion. He loved to learn and to share his knowledge with people.
In addition to his parents, Anthony was predeceased by his brothers, Mario Pagano, Paul Pagano, and Sam Pagano; his sister, Frances Combs; and his son Michael Heil.
Survivors include, his wife of 47 years, Elaine (Jarvis) Pagana of Fort Edward; his seven children, Pamela Casey of Queensbury, Diane Barrett and her husband, Jamie of Wilton, Laurie Wieland and her husband, Peter of Queensbury, Christopher Heil and his wife, Pam of Queensbury, Mark Heil of Fort Edward, Tammy Pagana and her fiancé, Michael Kokoletsos of Queensbury, Carmela Pagana-Saville and her husband Weylin of South Glens Falls; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved Papa; his two brothers, Carmelo Pagano and his wife, Dorothy of California, and John Pagano and his wife, Janet of Queensbury; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends are invited Friday from 10 am to 11:30 am at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass for Anthony will take place at 12:30 pm on Friday at St. Joseph’s in Fort Edward with the Reverend Thomas Babiuch officiating.
A Rite of Committal with military honors will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in the spring.
Donations in Anthony’s name can be made out to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, PO Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828.
We are saddened by this news and extend our deepest sympathy to all the members of the family. We have been privileged to know many of the family members as well as Mr. Pagana. The timing of Friday’s gatherings will not allow us to pay our respects in person. We are donating to the rescue squad in his honor.
With sympathy and condolences,
Howard and Jeannene Fritz