Francesco "Frank" Pagano (1949-2025)

Frank Pagano, 76, of Lockport, IL, peacefully passed away at home on January 20, 2025, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Italy, in 1949 to Pietro and Provvidenza Pagano, Frank served in the Italian Navy before becoming a lifeguard at his hometown beach. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary, during her vacation in the summer of 1971. Shortly after, Frank moved to New York and then to Chicago to be with her. The couple married on June 30, 1973, and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2023.

Frank was an active member of St. Dennis Parish, the St. Dennis Men's Club, and the American Italian Cultural Society. He and Mary were proud business owners in Lockport, IL, for over 40 years, including Pagano Foods, Liquor Plus, and Pizza Plus on State Street. He was also a lifelong soccer enthusiast, and well known amongst his family and friends for his homemade pizza parties.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Mary Pagano (née Portuesi); children Peter Pagano (wife Rima), Angela Pagano, and Joseph Pagano (wife Amanda); grandchildren Sophia, Anna, and Norah; siblings Giuseppa (née Pagano) (husband Patrick) Mahoney, Francesca Maria Pagano (husband Guiseppe Nevoloso), Piera Pagano, and Giuseppe (wife Caterina) Pagano; and sister-in-law Toni (née Portuesi) (husband James) Bannon.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Pietro and Provvidenza (née Caccamo) Pagano.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL ( DONATE )

Visitation Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Dennis Church in Lockport, IL, on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com