Nicholas Roy Pagnini

Nicholas Roy Pagnini passed away on June 6, 2009 of Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer. He fought the disease with tremendous bravery and an amazing positive attitude that we would expect from such a great man. Nick was born in Santa Cruz, CA on August 4, 1936. He was the son of Roy and Catherine Sinnott Pagnini of Felton, CA.

Nick began his education at Felton Elementary, a one room school house, where he attended up to the sixth grade. Being the fourth generation resident of this county and a young wanderer, he knew the Santa Cruz area like the back of his hand. He went on to go to Mission Hill Junior High in Santa Cruz where he formed many wonderful friendships to continue through the years. His Italian grandparents Rose and Nello Pagnini resided in Santa Cruz, near the SC Wharf, and he told many stories of great food, amazing surf, and warm family memories.

One of Nick's passions was surfing. He traveled up and down the California coastline to find the perfect wave and to be with friends. With wetsuits not yet invented, he would say, "I surfed before hypothermia was invented." On his travel to Hawaii in 1955, he would be transformed and his love of the Isles emerged. He loved the warm salt water, the slack key music, and the food. Nick would travel to Hawaii many times after this with his family and he passed on his deep appreciation of the Isles to them.

Nick graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1954 and was all CCAL in football, a sport that he always loved. Upon graduation, he worked for the California Department of Forestry in Corralitos, CA and attended Hartnell Junior College where he also played football. He returned to forestry work, but in the fall of 1955, Nick was off to Hawaii to pursue his passion for surfing. Also in 1955, Nick returned to California to attend Orange Coast Junior College and to work at Disneyland the first year it opened. He was always proud to say that Uncle Walt Disney signed his paychecks. In 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was tremendously proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed being a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment #711 Monterey Bay. Nick also loved his continued connection with the SCHS class of 1954 and looked forward to attending the monthly luncheons.

In 1958, Nicholas returned to Felton and the community he cherished. He worked for his father at Roy's Market, a family owned business since 1936 currently New Leaf Market. Nick married Beverly Sommer, SCHS Class of 1955, in April 1959. Dana Pagnini, their first daughter, was born in 1960 and their second daughter, Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin Mark, was born in 1973. He is survived by his two daughters and many cousins.

Further demonstrating his commitment to the community, Nick joined the Zayante Fire Department in 1976. He was an EMT and a Captain during his time with the ZFD. Nicholas was not only an officer, but a well respected mentor to the young fire department recruits who wanted to join Zayante Fire's finest. Through the years, Nick would return home with interesting stories of emergency calls and always expressed his concern for the local people who needed his assistance.

Nick coached one of his favorite sports, football, at San Lorenzo Valley High for the freshmen teams. Throughout the years, Nick was an active supporter of the SLV and Santa Cruz High Booster Clubs. He also attended local high school football and track events to cheer on the many dedicated athletes.

He was also, for recognition of his incredible community involvement, awarded San Lorenzo Valley's Man of the Year Award in 1979. In many peoples hearts, Nick is the man of the century.

When he sold Roy's Market in 1990, Nick certainly didn't retire and continued to remain busy as ever. He was not only active with the Zayante Fire Department but also managed the Trout Farm for a few years. Since people couldn't talk to him at Roy's, the Trout Farm was a good place to catch up with their favorite local personality. He loved being the person that people could turn to for whatever they needed. Nick did this with his whole heart and no agenda.

Nick was a loving and kind person who gave 110 percent to his family, friends, and community where he grew up. He had deep roots to the local area and dedicated his life to serving its people. He enjoyed great company, good food with a nice cold beer, and a hearty laugh. Always taking the time to help and listen, he touched many people's lives in so many ways. He will always be with us, but his physical presence will be forever missed. Thank you, Nick, for everything.

The Pagnini family would like to extend their thanks to the Veteran's Administration Hospital at Palo Alto. The doctors, nurses, and the hospice unit provided Nick with respectful, wonderful, and compassionate care. For eight years, thoughout Nick's treatment, the oncology staff gave him first class attention to allow him a full life while managing his cancer.

Our family would also like to thank the Zayante Fire Department for all the love and support. We consider the members to be our extended family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund will be appreciated. This fund will provide for local athlete scholarships. You may send your contribution to the Pagnini Family at PO Box 336, Felton, CA 95018. For further information, you may also visit the fund's website at www.pagninimemorial.com.