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- Patricia A. Pagano (nee Bland), an amazing hub, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and teacher passed away July 5, 2025. She was a multi-talented, creative woman who worked behind the scenes and gave her all to her family.
Patricia was born October 8, 1947, to Ted and Catherine Bland. She survived a case of childhood polio and went on to graduate from LaSalle Senior High School in 1965. Patricia was an honor roll student, well-liked classmate, and cheerleader. After high school, Patricia attended SUNY Brockport, graduating early in January 1969 with honors and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She had both beauty and brains and one of her professors reportedly called her Patty “Spicy, not Bland.” While she was in college, she worked summers for the city of Niagara Falls Recreation Department. In November 1969, she married the love of her life, a fellow Niagara Falls City School District teacher and a short Italian man from 25th Street, Sam Pagano. Together, they raised four beautiful children who would grow up knowing how lucky they were to have Patricia as their mother.
Patricia was a person of many talents. Before starting her beautiful family, she was a well-loved elementary school teacher. She left teaching to become the CEO, CFO, and Manager of Pagano Family Enterprises. Beyond the obvious tasks involved in these roles, she was an advocate for her children and contributed her talents to their school activities, positively impacting all involved. For example, she was an incredibly creative seamstress. She designed and created the entire set of uniforms for the first Girls Varsity Soccer Team at LaSalle Senior High School. She also designed and created costumes for the LaSalle Senior High School Drama Club. Most memorable were the Pink Lady Jackets for the 1989 production of Grease and the Tin Man costume for the 1996 production of The Wizard of Oz. Patricia was an impressive cake decorator, and she was an entrepreneur, creating and selling her own version of Cabbage Patch dolls. She also served as Sunday School teacher at Prince of Peace Church, where she taught the important values of kindness and love for all in her kind and loving way.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ted Bland Jr., Ted’s wife, Jill Bland, and many Pagano family loved ones. She is survived by her loving hubby of 54 years, Sam Pagano; children Sam A. Pagano, Catherine (Gil) Burke, Patty (Andy) Gyle, and Mary Pagano; siblings, Susan Bland, Kathy (Gary) Bien; her beloved grandchildren Ruby, Daisy, Claire, Connor, Braeden, Jenna, and Jack; many nieces, nephews, and other family members too numerous to count who will miss her sweet and loving presence.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 8th 4-7pm at Lane Funeral Home, Inc. 8622 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, where Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 9th at 11 AM with the Rev. Matthew Kofahl officiating. Interment will be at Acacia Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Patricia with a donation to Niagara Hospice who provided her with great respect and care, allowing her to be the boss to the very end. https://www.niagarahospice.org/donate/
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