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Richard Paganini Obituary
He grew up in New York City, son of Italian immigrants. He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas, where he received his teaching degree. He began teaching in 1957 at Williams Military Academy in Wheaton, IL, where he raised his family. He continued his education and received a Master's Degree in Education from Kansas State Teachers College. Richard's passion was teaching which he continued until his death. He commuted weekly from Naperville to New York to teach Communications and Public Speaking at St. Joseph's College in NY. He was beloved by his students and colleagues.
He is survived by his children, Ric Paganini Smith of Naperville, Aynne (Eric) Paganini Malmborg of Wheaton, and David (Lisa) Paganini Smith of Elgin, five grandchildren, Alexis Smith, William Malmborg, Thomas Malmborg, Elanor Smith, and Amanda Smith, and his sister, Barbara Paganini Murphy of Rocky Point, NY.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jeanne Eisenbacher in 2001, his parents, and his former wife, Bettie Parks in 1998.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A mass will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Wheaton.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Joseph's College, http://giving.sjcny.edu/how-to-give/ or to Catholic Charities USA, http://catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Paganini
Aynne Malmborg
March 31, 2025
Dad I miss you every day...What I wouldn't give to have just one more day to tell you how awesome you are! All my love, Aynne
Msgr. Jim Vlaun
March 31, 2025
Honoring a gifted teacher of public speaking on his 10th anniversary today! Always grateful and always in my prayers!
Aynne Malmborg
April 1, 2024
Missing you always
Msgr. James C. Vlaun
March 31, 2024
Remembering my beloved teacher on his Easter anniversary this year. God bless you Rich and thank you for your amazing dedication. In my prayers today in a special way.
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Aynne
April 1, 2023
Dad,
Thinking of you and wishing you were here. Miss you so much!
Love,
Aynne
Msgr. James C. Vlaun
April 1, 2023
Remembering my inspirational public speaking professor today with gratitude!
Fred Sawyer
March 31, 2023
Rest in peace, Mr. Paganini. Wish I had you for more classes at SJB.
Aynne Malmborg
April 1, 2022
I miss my dad every day. What an extraordinary and generous man he was.
Msgr. Jim Vlaun
March 31, 2022
Blessed 7th anniversary to my inspirational teacher!
michael dragotta
March 31, 2022
Miss you Pags!
Aynne Malmborg
March 31, 2021
I miss my Dad as much today as I did in 2015, what I would't give for one more day with him...I'll be walking the Camino Trail in his honor in September. I love you Dad!
Msgr. James Vlaun
March 31, 2021
Remembering and praying for an amazing Public Speaking professor from my High School years on his 6th anniversary in Heaven!
Aynne Malmborg
April 1, 2020
5 years ago today I lost my dad and the world lost a treasure. I miss him every day.
Msgr. James C. Vlaun
March 31, 2020
Five years later, still remembering and praying in gratitude for this gifted man!
Sharyn Serrano
January 11, 2016
What a loss for the family, the education field and humanity. He was truly one of the best teachers I ever had. I was honored when he attended my wedding.Thoughts and prayers for all of his family.
Steve Tischer
June 11, 2015
Oh Captain my Captain ... I had Major Paganini as an English teacher in 1964-66 when he announced that he was leaving the entire enrollment of Williams Military Academy was in tears .He was a truly great man and a surrogate father to many of the cadets there . He would read stories that he had wrote one was about JFK's horse Blackjack I believe the title was The riderless steed and another was The wonderful world of black and white .I would love to read them again or anything he may have authored since I think one was published in readers digest it was about a kid trick or treating on Halloween and thinking he was being attacked because his rolled up shirt sleeve was cutting off circulation to his arm Please if you know or have his stories I am on Facebook friend me .The tears we cried in 66 were multiplied by many thousands at his passing I am sure of that
Donna
May 23, 2015
10 years ago I met my dearest friend and confidant. We shared our memories, passions, secrets and regrets in life. We laughed and cried together, usually watching a Hallmark movie. We bantered back and forth playing cards. He loved my cooking but his greatest love in life was teaching and his students. He will sadly be missed by all who knew and loved him. "Love Ya, Babe"
Monsignor Janes Vlaun "79
May 12, 2015
Truly an inspiration in my life. . I will never forget this wonderful and gifted educator who gave me the confidence to speak publicly!
Kim Machado
April 25, 2015
Absolutely heartbroken! Last semester, I had Mr. Paganini as a professor for two of my classes. After each class, Mr. Paganini and I would stay a little extra and just chat. He is an incredibly inspiring man and had so many wonderful stories and lessons. The last day of the semester I cried as I hugged Professor Paganini until he reminded me that I wasn't yet graduating and I would still see him on campus. This semester, I would go to school an hour early every Wednesday just to meet with Professor Paganini in his office to catch up. He knew so much about my life as I did of his. He was someone I knew I would hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. He called me his little Portuguese Genius. What a beautiful man who had so much love and appreciation for his students as they did for him as well. He had so much love for his family as well and always spoke to me about his children and how proud of them he is. I will forever be grateful for having met such an inspiration. And even more grateful that I was able to tell him before he passed how inspiring and amazing he was to me. RIP.
Carolyn Baksa
April 25, 2015
My condolences to the family on the loss of such a special man. I was one of the many, many students from St. John the Baptist who had the privilege of taking Mr. Paganini's public speaking course. His approach to teaching was so powerful and warm. I still remember his pride in his family name and the photo of Jesus laughing that he carried in his wallet. He was a man of such warmth, caring, and dedication to his students. God bless him and comfort his family.
Robert Hocmkan
April 21, 2015
I had Major Paganini as my English teacher at Williams Military Academy in 1965 and 1966. He was an excellent teacher and great guy. He will be missed.
Fred Sawyer
April 16, 2015
RIP Mr. Paganini. I had him for a speech class and a communications class at SJB. He was also a true Yankees fan; he didn't jump off the band wagon during the lean years of the late 80s and early 90s. Hopefully he got to see Babe Ruth in heaven.
Alex Randazzo
April 16, 2015
He was a true inspiration to everyone. I am currently taking his advanced communications class and am heartbroken he will not be with us later when the class is scheduled. He was honestly the only professor i could say inspired just through the way he acted, he was a straight shooter and was not afraid to tell you what he thought and at the same time people could tell how sincere and caring he really was. He had a genuine interest in helping his students progress not only as communication majors, but as people. He and I would always agree, "yea being book smart is terrific, but being able to speak and communicate with people is really what its all about, without communication and public speaking all that education is worthless." Then he would conclude with his catch phrase like he always does, "Now you're getting the idea!" lol. I am truly inspired by this man and he definitely made an impact on my life, god bless you Professor Paganini. You are really one of a kind.
Allison Kotsay
April 14, 2015
Completely heartbroken over hearing the news of Professor Paganini's passing. I would see him around campus and heard from all who took his classes how wonderful a professor he was. I was waiting for the chance to take a class with him, but his classes always filled up so fast. I finally registered in time to get a spot in his class. In the short time I had with him, he proved to be my most significant professor in my entire college career. I learned so much from him in this one semester and not just about public speaking and writing the perfect outline. But about being human, about accepting life's imperfections, and finding confidence in one's abilities. He was truly a kind-hearted and caring man with a superior gift for teaching. His passion for teaching was clear in his willingness to travel from Chicago just to teach our classes at St. Joseph's. He always made us laugh and he made learning a memorable experience. The world lost a great man. My condolences to all who knew him. I know he meant so much to so many people.
Kerri Porr Geiger
April 14, 2015
"Because I knew you I have been changed for good" from the play Wicked. Mr. Paganini was my English and Public Speaking teacher at SJB. He was one of if not the best teacher I ever had. I have thought of him often through the years. If I remember correctly he had lived in almost every state at one time or another, which always fascinated me. His love of John Steinbeck transferred onto me and I read his books too. He was one in a million. His legacy goes on in all of his students who loved him so dearly.
April 12, 2015
Our loving thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Richard was my first cousin & our families were very close. We shared many happy times together summer vacations & holidays. He always had a since of humor & loved teasing me since I was a cry baby. There are many sweet memories of our youth back in the fifties.
Love always,
Cousin Claudia & family
Michael Dragotta
April 10, 2015
GENUINE...He was genuine. He was my professor and my co-worker at St. Joseph's. I am so happy he was able to meet my infant son a few weeks back. He was glowing when he met him. I will miss you Pags...Love you pal! Mike Dragotta
~ Mike Dragotta,
Alexis Smith
April 10, 2015
Grandpa -
You touched the lives of many people over the years which makes me incredibly proud. If I can follow in your footsteps and make a positive impact in the lives of half as many people, I would consider my life a successful one. Thank you for setting this example for me, my sister, and cousins.
My last memory of you was dancing to 'Rock Around the Clock' at my wedding. Your smile was so big and bright. When we were done with our dance, you kissed me and said you loved me.
I'll continue to miss you, Grandpa, as I have missed you over the years that I've lived in the Great State of Texas. You are forever in my heart.
Mary Sue Whitehead-Schulz
April 10, 2015
He literally changed my life as a teenager . He gave me confidence and support and made me believe in myself for one of the first times in my life . I was so glad to hear he was still teaching - he actually met Sr Grace when he came to see me in a play at the college and I was so thrilled she wanted to give him an opportunity because I knew he would so great things. He made a difference in the world and I am grateful I knew him .
My condolences to his family .
Carley Irvin
April 9, 2015
After finding out about Professor Paganini's passing, I was completely heartbroken. This man was the most self-less, intelligent, comical, kind-hearted man I have ever known. He is one of the sole reasons why my college career was so meaningful to me. Of course,he educated me on public speaking, and outlines for speeches, but most importantly to love me as a person. To be confident and follow my dreams. What he left me with is something very special that no one could ever do for me. He will always be remembered in not only mine but several others' hearts. God Bless you, you will be missed dearly.
Maria Paganini Smith
April 9, 2015
Richard was my loving father in law for 25 years.
His fun loving ways, and love for his children and grandchildren was apparent in everything he did. I will miss him greatly.
Sommer O'Malley
April 9, 2015
Professor Paganini was hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. I remember leaving his class for the first time thinking how am I ever going to come back? I was terrified to speak every week. But by the end of the semester, he had me bringing in my guitar and singing for the class. He taught us speak proudly, and to not be afraid to be silly. Had I never taken his class, I probably would not have had the courage to join a band, which was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I thank him for that. You will be missed Professor Paganini.
bonnie kircher
April 9, 2015
Pags, you are the reason why I decided to get my Masters in Communications, which, as a Child Study major, does not normally happen. I believe also, that you are the reason I was accepted into the program, based on your generous recommendation. Furthermore, and most importantly, you are the one who inspired me to come back to St. Joe's as a professor and I thank you for your years of encouragement and humor that I looked so forward to every Wednesday as a student in your class, and recent Wednesdays, as your colleague.
Jennifer Jones
April 9, 2015
Dear Paganini and Malmborg family,
You father was very kind to me. I will always be thankful for his genoriousity in letting me stay at his home before I moved.
This must have been a small example of how he lived his life.
God Bless,
Jennifer Jones
Brittney Kelly
April 9, 2015
My heart absolutely breaks to hear about the passing of my all time favorite professor, Professor Richard Paganini. Paganini was one in a million, his dedication to teaching was extraordinary, commuting each week from Chicago to New York. I currently had Professor Paganini this semester every Thursday and his class was fantastic. He would always say "I don't need any textbook telling me what to teach you, if you know how to talk you can get any job." Tears in my eyes fill up as I write this, Professor Paganini was such an inspiration to myself and many others. I always looked forward to his class , even though I would be late every class he would say "well look who it is sneaking in here late, what's the excuse now Kelly?" I could honestly go on and on to talk about what remarkable man he was. His legacy will live on forever at St. Joseph's College and to all the students lives he touched, including mine. I will truly miss you, Professor Paganini, Rest Peacefully.
JoanMarie Zullo
April 9, 2015
Mr. Pagannini was my favorite teacher in high school. I was fortunate to have been in his class twice. I graduated in 1983 from Saint John the Baptist and honestly he is the only teacher I can remember, he made a huge impact on me. He truly made learning fun. God bless you Mr. Pags and your family.
Ric Paganini
April 9, 2015
My father touched many lives and many lives touched his. I will miss him and keep his memory with me always.
Dawn Amundsen
April 9, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Alyssa
April 9, 2015
Professor Paganini,
I never had the confidence to stand up in front of a crowd and speak. But, your oral communications class gave me the courage and confidence to speak in front of others. I don't think I would be as successful in the classroom if it wasn't for that one semester in your class. I used to stutter, say Ummm way too much, and forget my words but you still had us go up in front of class every week and speak. I'm thankful for that because now I am confident enough to share my ideas and speak openly in front of others. Anytime someone asked me what speech professor to take I always said you. You left an impression on me and I'm sure many other students. Rest easy. You will be greatly missed. xo
Christa Dean
April 9, 2015
I was so very fortunate to have Mr. Paganini for both English and Public Speaking at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip. He was one of the best teachers I ever had- truly memorable. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Francesca Belanich
April 9, 2015
Though my heart is broken, I will always hold the memories we've shared together in my heart. You were my favorite professor, my inspiration, my "blood brother" (as you'd call me because we had the same birthday), and one of my best friends. Your wisdom on life has been part of who I am. You may have been 84 years old, but your beautiful soul was as young as mine. I'm so blessed that I've known you and taken all your classes for the years that I have. I am blessed to have had the memories of sitting in your office sharing conversations, hearing you sing Frank Sinatra, and sharing tons of laughter. I will miss you so incredibly much, and it will be a huge struggle not having the comfort of knowing I get to spend time with my friend almost everyday, but I have the comfort of knowing that you're up in Heaven and at peace. The last words I ever said to you were written down on a typical love note I'd make you occasionally. "I love Professor Paganini." I always told you, always have loved you, and always will. Rest In Peace, Paganini. Thank you for touching my life and many others. I love you forever.
Rachael LeRoux
April 9, 2015
Mr Paganini was the best, he believed in his students and believed we were all capable of great things with our own unique talents. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher for English at St. John the Baptist High School in West Islip, NY. He will never be forgotten.
Kimberly Shea
April 8, 2015
Professor Paganini was by far one of my favorite teachers who inspired me his knowledge and sit and his way of teaching. I recall sitting in his class and having a feeling of aw with each new class.. He didn't teach that class that you dreaded going to,
Rather, always made it a point to be present.. I remember his kind and enthusiastic humor for life and was always amazed by his unique lifestyle! A true inspiration for anyone he came in contact with!
I remember going back to him for a letter of recommendation, he came in contact with so many youths but always remembered who his students were!
My goodness, this man wil be missed by so many and his "student family" will always hold him dear to our hearts.
The world truly lost an amazing person when Pags left this earth.
May he rest in peace and may those who were inspired by him continue to allow him to live through !
Amanda Lubliner
April 8, 2015
Professor Paganini was one of the most influential professors at St. Joseph's College. I was fortunate enough to take one of his public speaking classes. His wise words of wisdom have stayed with me ever since I graduated. He always encouraged his students to reach for the stars. Professor Paganini, you will be truly missed.
R.I.P.
April 8, 2015
Pags.... I want one more day... One more day to tell you how much you meant to me... One more day to tell you how blessed I am to have known you... One more day to tell you how much of an impact you had on my life.... One more day to hear your stories... One more day to knock on your door and hear you call me "kiddo" and have you give me a huge hug... One more day as your student... One more day as a colleague... One more day to say thank you. I love you and will never forget you.
Andrea (Gallo) Volk
St. Joseph's College - Class of 2004
Speech Communications major
Ridge, NY
Kaitlyn Yourison
April 8, 2015
Paganini, I will miss you a lot! You truly will be missed by every student that has taken you. You always made class interesting with your stories and life experiences. I've never had a professor that's come close to the perfect way you taught. You were always honest with your students, and gave awesome advice on how to improve which has made me a better public speaker! I will miss you a lot and I'm honored to have had you as a professor. Rest peacefully.
Rebecca Geist
April 8, 2015
Professor Paganini will never be forgotten because he was a professor who affected all of his students. He taught all of us a lot and he always motivated his students to do better. He gave me confidence in my public speaking skills and that is something I can never repay. He will be missed. Rest peacefully professor.
John O.
April 8, 2015
My condolences to his family.
April 8, 2015
Anyone who knew Mr. Paganini was lucky! He was simply the best! An amazing teacher who inspired his students to communicate better every day. I was blessed to have kept in touch with him even after I graduated and enjoyed our talks over lunch. He continued to speak great words and enjoyed a good laugh with students both past and present.
To this day I still reference Mr. Paganini in my talks and presentations and remember all that he taught me.
May you rest in peace, Pags. I love you and will never ever forget you.
Paige (Napoli) Carbone
St. Joseph's College - Class of 2002
Speech Communications major
Tracy Thalhamer
April 8, 2015
Pags was one of the best professors that I ever had. He inspired his students and truly loved his job. I enjoyed every minute in his classes and working with him after I graduated. I will miss speaking to him while he sat in his car waiting to go into SJC. He spoke often of his kids and grandkids and my heart goes out to them. He was truly loved by his students and this was very heartbreaking to hear.
Jenna Katz
April 8, 2015
What an inspiration Professor Paganini was. I will miss him dearly. He taught me a lot and I will keep that close to me for the years a head. I am honored that I got to have him as a professor. Rest in peace Professor Paganini.
Francesca Belanich
April 8, 2015
Though my heart is broken, I will always hold the memories we've shared together in my heart. You were my favorite professor, my inspiration, my "blood brother" (as you'd call me because we had the same birthday), and one of my best friends. Your wisdom on life has been part of who I am. You may have been 84 years old, but your beautiful soul was as young as mine. I'm so blessed that I've known you and taken all your classes for the years that I have. I am blessed to have had the memories of sitting in your office sharing conversations, hearing you sing Frank Sinatra, and sharing tons of laughter. I will miss you so incredibly much, and it will be a huge struggle not having the comfort of knowing I get to spend time with my friend almost everyday, but I have the comfort of knowing that you're up in Heaven and at peace. The last words I ever said to you were written down on a typical love note I'd make you occasionally. "I love Professor Paganini." I always told you, always have loved you, and always will. Rest In Peace, Paganini. Thank you for touching my life and many others. I love you forever.
Daria Castelli
April 7, 2015
Dear Professor Paganini, there are not enough words to express my gratitude towards you. You have simply changed my life for the better and I couldn't thank you enough for that. I hope to be as inspiring to my students just like you were to everyone who knew you. You are missed every single day. love you Pags, rest peacefully.❤
Sandy "Kupcake" Tenerelli
April 6, 2015
I will sure miss Mr. Paganini--what a character! He always made me feel special and that he enjoyed my company. One of my fondest memories is cruising with him and his daughter,I think we laughed more on that trip than any other! He will be missed.
Kristi Miller
April 6, 2015
I will never forget you Professor. You inspired me so much and I am honored to have had the chance to meet you. I learned so much from you in such a short period of time and you touched my heart more than I can express in words!
Alexa Getty
April 5, 2015
You helped me so much during my time at St Josephs! My heart is broken that you are gone!! I will always remember you singing Frank Sinatra and hope that you are up there singing with him now! Rest in paradise Professoe Paganini!
Trinda Weaver
April 5, 2015
Aynne, I never met your father, but he must have been a kind, wonderful, and fun man, because that's what you are! I know you loved him dearly. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eric Malmborg
April 5, 2015
He was like a father to me. I miss him a lot already.
Aynne Paganini Malmborg
April 5, 2015
I loved my Dadwith all my heart and I will miss him every day. He touched so many people in so many ways--the world is a better place because he was here.
Rebecca Kurz
April 4, 2015
You touched my life in such an amazing way. You gave me hope and inspired me so much. Every class with you was a pleasure. I hope you're singing to Frank Sinatra up in heaven ❤ May you rest in peace.
April 4, 2015
Deepest Sympathies to you and your family.
Melissa Garibaldi
April 3, 2015
This man was the best professor I ever had. I currently am in his class and it will never be the same. Thank you for teaching how to be an amazing speaker, teacher and person. You'll be missed forever
Joe Krout
April 3, 2015
Thank you Uncle Richard for all the encouragement and insight. I treasure the time we had. I will miss your sense of humor and hearing the sound of your voice. Peace be with you on the next part of the journey.
Robyn Cusmano
April 3, 2015
Such a great man. He had such a giving heart and was so much fun. He truly touched the people he met. We will never forget you, Uncle Richard!
The Hultgren Family and Staff
April 3, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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