Joseph F. Pagniano, 86 of Wooster passed away Monday, August 4, 2025, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
He was born February 17, 1939, in Wooster to Anthony and Edith Carpenelli Pagniano.
Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Marines Corps from October 1961 to September 1967 as a Sargeant. Joseph worked at Gerstenslager’s for fifty-two ½ years. He was a private pilot and a Gold Seal flight instructor and was the Marine Corps Reservist of the Year in 1964.
He is survived by his children Shawn (Melissa) Pagniano of Orrville, Michael Pagniano of Bettendorf, Iowa and Amy Pagniano of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren Shelby (Issac Parsons) Pagniano, Alyssa Pagniano, Anthony Pagniano and Reagan Pagniano; great grandchildren Freya and Elliot; sister Ann Austin of Wooster.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Donato, Fred and John Pagniano.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday August 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Father Stephen Moran officiating. Inurnment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.
The family would like to thank the staff of Danbury of Wooster and Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
It saddens me to read of Joe’s passing. He was an extraordinary man and a good cousin. I miss the days when I could see him every summer when he and I both visited with Mom (his paternal aunt) at the same time. I send prayers for the entire family during this time. May beautiful memories bring you comfort and peace.
Shawn, my love to you and your family, but certainly to you, someone so much a part of my life!
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe and my dad…Ray Cherilla…we’re good friends when I was growing up. His mom and dad…Tony and Edith were my godparents. My deepest condolences.
I’m sorry to hear that Joe passed away. I have a lot of fond memories of him. My sincere condolences to Shawn, Michael, and Amy.
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Pagniano family. My father, Robert Iceman, worked with Joe at Gerstenslagers for many years…. I remember meeting Joe when I worked at Gerstenslager’s one summer in college… my father spoke very highly of Joe… I’m very sorry for your loss.
Condolences with the Pagniano family. Joe was one of my early career managers, and formed my career in the early years. I will never forget how detailed he was and desired his staff to be. Thanks Joe for building my career foundation.
Shawn and family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I remeber him from church.
My sympathies to your family upon the passing of Joe. He was my flight instructor in the early 1980’s. His intense focus on safety truly impacted me. Every preflight was thorough. Every pattern, every maneuver, every landing was meticulously taught, all for the sake of safety. And rightly so! Every Wednesday evening or Saturday morning flight lesson was on time and precisely timed, no dawdling, because he intended to get home to his family afterward. And rightly so!!
As the years passed and I would occasionally see Joe out in the Wooster community, he always remembered me, regardless of how many students he had over time. He made me feel like I was his only student, although I knew he had many.
You were an inspiration to me and many others, Joe! Spread your wings and fly for all eternity!
Shawn, Michael and Amy, you and your families are in my prayers.
Joe and I have known each other for 50 years. He hired me into Gerstenslager and we’ve remained friends for all those years. We’ve had a lot of talks about the military, and politics. He was always there offering his help if needed. Joe was a true gentleman, and such a classy person. He’s going to be greatly missed! RIP my friend!
A contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital has been made in remembrance of Joe.
Joe lived at the assisted living home I worked at, truly the kindest man I have ever met. He will be forever missed.
Shawn, Michael, and Amy,
We are just learning of your Dad’s passing and are so sorry for your loss.
We have great memories of your family in our lives growing up, your Mom and Dad were just great. Thinking about you and sending you all peace and comfort in your memories of your Dad.
Love, the McClellands
Shawn, Michael, and Amy,
We are just learning of your Dad’s passing and are so sorry for your loss.
We have great memories of your family in our lives growing up, your Mom and Dad were just great. Thinking about you and sending you all peace and comfort in your memories of your Dad.
Love, the McClellands