HERBERT R. PAGANO Sr.

Herbert R. Pagano Sr., 83, left this earth for his heavenly home on December 12, 2011, after a brief illness that he fought bravely to overcome. He leaves behind his childhood friend and beloved wife of 60 years, Alice (Murphy) Pagano, who proudly lived as a lifelong friend and supporter in their lifetime of adventures. He also is survived by five children, Herb (Sue Hanson) and Peggy (Bruce) Sheehan of Schenectady, NY; Kathie (Ron) Pagano-Fuller of Chattanooga, TN, Sue (Gary) Fitzpatrick of Atlanta, GA, and Betsy Pagano of Murphy, NC. His nine grandchildren include Dave, Katie, Tom, Kelly, Rachel, Matt, Greg, Sarah, and Allison and great-grandson, Ethan. Herb was born in Queens, NY on November 14, 1928 to Raphael and Philamena (Ciccatella) Pagano. After high school he graduated as an officer from the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. He has continued to support his alma mater for many years, including serving as an admissions field representative in Jones County, NC. Herb was highly skilled and well respected in his chosen profession of engineer, devoting his entire career of almost 40 years to the General Electric Company. He served in several senior managerial positions in Schenectady, NY, Greenville, SC, as well as overseas in Bahrain. He developed outstanding expertise in several areas, including nuclear-powered submarines, gas turbines, power generators, international and domestic sales and service, staff development programs, and company communications. Following his retirement from GE, he was inducted into General Electric's Elfun Society and Quarter Century Club. Whether at work, at home, or in the community, Herb was known and admired for his intellect, sense of humor and quick wit, playfulness with children and always being ready to support those in need. He demonstrated his servant's heart by his many decades of work in his Catholic Church parishes, especially Our Lady of Fatima and St. Helen's in Schenectady, NY. This church work included serving as a lector and on the Parish Council for St. Helen's School, which his fivechildren attended. While living in Pollocksville, NC, these past 15 years, Herb has served the local community in various ways. In Jones County, he served as the chair of the Republican Party, chair of the 2000 Census Committee, and a member of the Board of Health, Rotary Club, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He has been a faithful communicant of St. Paul's Catholic Church for many years. The family will gather with friends on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in New Bern, NC, with the viewing at 9 a.m. and the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be on the church premises at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic School, 3000 Country Club Rd., New Bern, NC 28562 or the National Aphasia Society, 350 Seventh Ave., Suite 902 New York, NY 10001 or www.aphasia.org. Those wishing to offer online condolences or words of hope may visit www.pollockbest.com. The Pagano Family is being assisted by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations.