Joseph Pagano

Giuseppe (Joseph) Pagano, 95, of Nanuet, NY (born: May 7, 1921) passed peacefully on March 2, 2017. Son of Francesco and Giovanna (née Auteri), devoted husband to Catherine (née LaValle) Pagano of 64 years; loving father to Frank (Debbie), Giovanna, Patrick (Eugenia), Demetrio (Teri), Giuseppe (Denise), and Maria (Mark); survived by 16 beloved grandchildren: William, Sarah, Joseph, Kate, James, Caterina, Daniella, Giuseppe, Gianna, Lia, Aidan, Christopher, Matteo, Marcello, Gabriella & Alejandra. Giuseppe was raised in Marina di Nicotera, Calabria, Italy, and served his country in the armed forces for 5 years. A veteran of World War II, Giuseppe was a decorated officer who fought under the Allied Command for the liberation of Italy. In 1949, he set sail for South America to seek and reunite with his beloved Catherine who had emigrated earlier that year to Buenos Aires, Argentina. They married there in 1953 and later emigrated to the Bronx (NYC) where they settled and started a family. In 1974, they purchased their first home in Nanuet, NY where they shared many happy occasions until his passing. For over 30 years, he managed Henry’s Barber Shop in Scarsdale, NY, where he was known for his generous heart, warm smile, love of all peoples and passion for history, geopolitics and opera. A self-taught man, he was also an avid gardener, photographer, videographer and reader who imbued in his children his deep love of learning, Italian culture and profound reverence for education. He continued his life’s work as a barber well into his eighties from which he derived great satisfaction of living out his innate love of humanity. Giuseppe’s clear devotion was undeniably his deep love of family near and far. Despite the wearying demands of countless hours at work and raising six children, Giuseppe always found time to stay connected with friends and family. Through his artful and poetic communications, Giuseppe nurtured deep connections and touched the lives of countless friends and acquaintances. His long and healthy life afforded him an opportunity to revel in the many successes of his grandchildren, travel the world and return often to his beloved hometown and reunite with loved ones in Italy and Argentina. He leaves behind a legacy of fraternity and love and will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Services will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Road East, Congers, NY 10920 on Sunday, March 5 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at

St. Anthony’s Shrine Church on Monday, March 6 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or Sons of Italy (Blauvelt, NY) are requested.