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 says:
December 26, 2017
Michael. I would be honored to have you present my thoughts and words, as now in Florida i will be unable to attend the services. My prayers and deepest feelings will be with you all.
Bob
Jennifer Constantin says:
December 28, 2017
I called George Dad for a period of time. He loved that. I am honored to have experienced his love for over 25 years. Though time and circumstances created separation, our hearts were always connected. He had a way of connecting with the things and people he loved that was palpable, and unforgettable.
George had a gentle soul, and a way of celebrating life that made people smile. He genuinely cared about the world around him, and he was the first to break out in a song to let you know about it, I used to make fun of him for only singing from an era that had past, but I always succumbed to the joy it brought him and I appreciated his Sinatra voice (that would sometimes never stop). He would sing to connect, to entertain, to feel happiness, and to create a good vibration for those around him, Considering how many times I rolled my eyes, I secretly loved it,
George deeply loved his animals, and for the most part, any furry critter he came across. I’ll never forget his adorable face as he held my dog Nikkas puppies for the first time.. He always used a boyish tone and spoke a secret language during terms of endearment; it was the sweetest thing to witness and would melt anyone’s heart, I loved that about him.
One thing that always struck me was how devoted he was to his faith, his family, and to his golf game, His golf wardrobe was truly amazing!!!! Seriously! It was vast, colorful, impeccable, and endless. -kind of like his singing after a few cocktails, But in all seriousness, his devotion to the game was a passion to be admired and respected.
As I sifted through a lifetime of photographs to share, tears rolled down my face with the realization of how much I’m going to miss him and how thankful I am for the memories. The smiles on his face, and the reminder of how much he liked to have a good time was evident. I loved watching him tear it up on the dance floor, and his innocent playful spirit is what I will miss most. Yes, we had different opinions, and ways of navigating in the world, but ultimately it didn’t matter to either one of us.
When it came to his world of real estate, George modeled the importance of working from a place of integrity and passion. He simply did what he loved, and his career accomplishments are as vast and amazing as his golf wardrobe.. It was always interesting driving with him down the Coast Hwy, or pretty much anywhere around the Laguna area. It seemed like he knew sale prices, had stories, or sold a house within any 10 block radius. Once again, his devotion to his work and his loyalty to his clients was a passion to be admired and respected.
Without question, George’s love and devotion to his family and his faith was clearly a driving force in his life and his guiding principles. My deepest condolences to Michael, Mick and their family, for I know how much he loved all of you. To his family, friends and coworkers, I feel like we are all so fortunate to have danced with George, and to have experienced his love and passion for life. So in a moment of respectful silence, I raise my glass filled with love and harmony for you dear George, Thank you for loving me, and every being you touched, I love you and will miss you.
Frank Sinatra:
I’m gonna live till I die!
I’m gonna laugh ‘stead of cry,
I’m gonna take the town and turn it upside down,
I’m gonna live, live, live until I die.
They’re gonna say “What a guy!”
I’m gonna play for the sky.
Ain’t gonna miss a thing,
I’m gonna have my fling,
I’m gonna live, live, live until I die.
The blues I lay low,
I’ll make them stay low,
They’ll never trail over my head.
I’ll be a devil, till I’m an angel, but until then Hallelujah.
Gonna dance, gonna fly,
I’ll take a chance riding high,
Before my number’s up,
I’m gonna fill my cup,
I’m gonna live, live, live, until I die!
Gonna dance.
Dana Wall says:
January 3, 2018
Lit a candle in memory of George J. Pagano
Dana Wall says:
January 3, 2018
George was a wonderful person, friend and colleague and he is missed so much by so many. His big smile, charm and friendly personality always made my day when I saw him. He was “old school” which I cherish so much. I will always treasure our memories of talking about real estate and so much more. I’m so lucky I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was so kind, always positive and so fun to be around. Rest in peace George.
Bill Hoff says:
June 14, 2020
I am so very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was already the the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office in Laguna Beach when I joined the brokerage in 1998. He was a mentor and good friend who always had a kind word along with a wonderful sense of humor. He is and will be missed.