Joann Pagano

Joann was born in Queens to her parents, Louis and Barbara Garofolo. Her family moved to Copiague and she attended Copiague High School, where she met her future husband, Michael Pagano. They graduated together in 1973, and were married in 1975 at the First Methodist Church of Amityville. They made their first home in an apartment in Lindenhurst, and soon settled back in their home of Copiague.

Her passion for caring led her to a career in Nursing. She earned her license in practical nursing, made her start at Lakeside Hospital in Copiague, and then moved to Berkshire Nursing Center where she served many years. She continued her nursing career in the field of private home care.

Spending time with her family – her husband, children, and grandchildren – made her life worthwhile. Joann was a nurturing caregiver, and her home was always open to whoever needed help. Her family noted that no matter who it was or what the problem might be, she’d put everything before herself, and found ways to help. She was the definition of a selfless and caring person who had unconditional love and support to all her family and friends. She absolutely adored elephants, and surrounded herself with them throughout her life. She also loved to cook, and was most famously known for her brownies, which were adored by all and a must-have at every family function.

Joann is survived by her cherished family – her husband, Michael; her children – her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Rafael Santos; her son, Michael, Jr. and her daughter-in-law, Liana Valletti; and her son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Tiffany; and her grandchildren – Michael Santos, Rocco Pagano, Santino Pagano, Carmine Pagano and Antoinette Pagano. Also surviving is her mother, Barbara Reiss Garofolo, her sisters – Phyllis Mannick and Lynda Delia (Carlos) Santos; her brother-in-law, Andrew Pagano; and sister-in-law, Constance (Anthony) Clemente; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 2:00 – 4:30 and 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Copiague. Interment will follow at St. Charles Cemetery.