George J. Pagano
June 28, 1940 - December 15, 2017
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George J. Pagano
June 28, 1940 - December 15, 2017
Obituary
George Joseph Pagano
1940-2017
George J. Pagano, formerly of San Mateo, CA, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Laguna Hills, CA. George was 77. Cause of death was from heart failure – complications stemming from heart valve replacement surgery.
George was born June 28, 1940, in San Mateo, CA, the son of Joseph and Gladys Pagano. A graduate of San Mateo High School (Class of ’59) and later attending Santa Clara University. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and served out his military obligation before starting his working career. George’s first major job was that of a sales rep for Jack Daniel’s Distillery.
This position eventually took him to Laguna Niguel where he excelled in his career, met wonderful folks and decided this was where he would settle, marry and pursue his real estate adventure! After leaving Jack Daniel’s, he started working for Ann Chisman Real Estate in Laguna Niguel. Throughout his career in real estate he made many friends and colleagues in his chosen field- they will miss his delightful and somewhat charming personality, as many have told me. George was a resident of Laguna Niguel-Dana Point area for over 45 years and I have been told, an ‘icon’ in real estate for almost the entire time. As a Broker Associate Partner for the Immel Team Luxury Real Estate firm in Dana Point, CA, he will be sorrowfully missed. He enjoyed being part of many local community organizations and was a member of the Monarch Bay Golf and Country Club. George loved golf! An avid golfer and playing since he became a four year member on his high school team. He played along side and later to be, PGA Tour/Senior Tour player, George Archer (SMHS’58). George’s other interests included his love of music, especially ‘ole’ blue eyes’ himself! God forgive you that you gave him a microphone!
Survivors include his brother Michael G. Pagano of San Mateo, CA; nephew Michael (Mick) G. Jones (wife Janice C. Lind), Grand Nephew Mason P.M. Jones, all residing in Oakland Hills, CA. In addition, many cousins that are now spread all over the Western States and loved by all as the “patriarch” of the family.
A public service will be held on January 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point followed by a private reception for family members. Memorial contribution may be made in George’s memory to Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA 92618.
15 responses to George J. Pagano
Bob Smith says:
December 20, 2017
Having been friends with George for over 5 decades, I was shocked to hear of his passing last weekend. We first became acquainted with each other in the early 1970’s in the wine/liquor industry. Then in the 80’s we reacquainted through the Real Estate industry and then in the late ’90’s, we became closer by both working with Prudential California Realty in Monarch Beach. Our family’s traveled together to Italy for an extended stay with many days and nights of fun filled party’s, sight-seeing and of course, wine. One evening at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Rome, after a rather extended Roman dinner, we decided a night-cap in the main ballroom would be in order. We were the only patrons there, the staff had gone and we had the place to ourselves. We all, (wife Cindy and my wife Barbara), said,” how about another glass of wine”. George, the man who always kept the party going, mentioned he had a bottle of Chianti in his room. Well, I had a corkscrew in mine and we each brought glasses down to the ballroom for the nightcap. Now, you would think that professional wine and liquor guys would have no problem opening 1 bottle of fresh Chianti. No problem! Right? Wrong! It took us over 20 minutes of straining, grunting, laughing, crying because we laughed so hard, and the wives were on the floor, to get that little bottle open. To this day, we’ve relived that story together many, many times. I’ll miss you George. You were always a bright, classy star among each and every one of us. We all just know that he is now “up there” singing, dancing and laughing with so many of our friends, just enjoying the next chapter of his life. As you once endorsed a golf hat to me from the Masters in Augusta, “Keep it in the Fairway”, George, I’m sure you’ll be doing just that. From Your friend and fellow Realtor, Wine and Liquor Representative, fellow musician and golfer, you are indeed a man who will never be forgotten.
Bob Smith
Amelia Island, Florida
(Formally San Juan Capistrano)
Christine Wong says:
December 22, 2017
Cousin George, he always so kind to his little cousin. I have such fond memories of his singing performances at Aunt Gladys and Uncle Joe’s house, top hat, cane and a smile that lit up the room.
I am so glad I had a chance to see you, and get a last kiss from you last week.
Love,
Christine
michael pagano says:
December 22, 2017
Wonderful story Bob I may include this in my Eulogy for George if you don’t mind….
Michael Pagano (George’s brother)
Rosemarie says:
December 22, 2017
Lit a candle in memory of George J. Pagano
Rosemarie Pagano Pero says:
December 22, 2017
You’ll never know just how much I looked up to you and loved you. You were always there to protect me, even had adults. Loved and never forgotten :heart: