Pete Pagano

Carmello “Pete” Pagano, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family and friends in El Dorado Hills, California.

Born in Fort Edward, New York, Pete was the beloved son of the late Giuseppe and Francesca Pagano. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in England, where he developed a lifelong fondness for fish and chips wrapped in newspaper — a memory he often recalled with warmth and humor.

After completing his military service, Pete settled in San Francisco and began a long and accomplished career in the aerospace and satellite industry. Pete retired from Space Systems Loral at the age of 60, having built a career defined by skill, dedication, and intelligence.

A devoted Catholic, Pete was a man of deep faith and simple joys. He was a proud member of the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Frances Cabrini Church in San Jose. In his younger years, Pete even tried learning the accordion as part of a church music group, though it once landed him in a bit of trouble with the Monsignor, who worried that Pete and his fellow musicians might disturb the neighbors.

He loved gardening, woodworking, growing fruits, and making homemade salsa, Pete often gave away what he grew, what he made, and what he crafted. Pete was known for his remarkable ability to fix or build just about anything.

Pete met the love of his life, Dorothy, at his best friend Derek Reeve’s wedding. Their whirlwind courtship led to marriage in October 1959, beginning a partnership filled with love and devotion. Together they raised four sons: Brian David, Gary Thomas, Kevin Gregory, and Craig Steven.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his sons Brian, Kevin, and Craig; his cherished grandchildren Krista, Megan, Samantha, Gina, Matthew, Sela, and Nicholas; and his great-granddaughter, Mila. He is also survived by his brother, John. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary, and by his siblings Anthony, Mario, Paul, Frances, and Sebastian.

Pete will be remembered for his gregarious spirit, sharp wit, and the ease with which he could strike up a conversation with anyone. His warmth, intelligence, and humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He lived a life of service, hard work, love, and craftsmanship, and his legacy will continue through the family he adored.

Pete’s ashes will be buried at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California 95620, during a military service on Friday, April 17th at 12:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory 1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Please reference Gary Pagano Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund in the memo of the check. Alternatively, a donation may also be made online by clicking the link below:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/M8w3xA?vid=1oky3b

The Gary Pagano Scholarship Fund helps families and students in need with tuition assistance.

Immediately following the service, the Pagano family will host a memorial luncheon in Pete’s honor at Fuso Fusion Italian Restaurant located at 535 Main Street Suite A, Vacaville, California 95688

To attend Pete’s memorial luncheon, please RSVP to Brian Pagano at bpagano@me.com no later than Friday, April 10th.