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Thomas Pagnano Obituary
May 23, 1952
April 30, 2012
Tom was called home on April 30, 2012 due to complications from his battle with cancer. He was born in New York and moved to California when he was eight, graduating in 1970 from Mt. Pleasant High School, San Jose. Tom attended San Jose State, transferred to Humboldt State, receiving a degree in Range Management in 1977.
Tom fell in love with Nevada while working for the BLM in Winnemucca fighting fires. Thanks to his buddies, Tom joined IBM in 1978. He then worked for Excel Datacom and established Nevada Midrange Systems in the 90's. He later went to work for Dain Rauscher and, in 2003, with Wells Fargo as a Financial Advisor.
Tom's true passions were Rodeo, flying, music and the outdoors. He joined Reno Rodeo in 1985 and was a PRCA Gold Card holder. As first VP of the Reno Rodeo, he was looking forward to taking the reins in August.
Tom learned to fly in 1982 and it became a life-long passion. He joined the Civil Air Patrol in the 90's where he achieved the rank of Lt. Col. He was instrumental in getting the CAP established in their new headquarters at the Reno-Tahoe Airport. Tom loved people and always had a smile, a laugh and an idea. He always stood up for what he believed was right and had a way about him that made you feel like a life-long friend even if you just met him. Tom is survived by his loving wife Julie Gallio, his parents, Gaetano (Tom) and Mary Pagnano, siblings Margaret Ware (Frank) and Bill and his extended family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his brother Larry.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Reno Air Racing Association Hangar 14501 Mt. Anderson St. at 2:30 on Sunday, May 6. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom's name to the Reno Rodeo Foundation (renorodeofoundation.org) or the MD Anderson Cancer Center (mdanderson.org) designated to research.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Pagnano
James Wagner
April 28, 2025
Tomorrow, it's been 13 years, think of you often. God bless you and your family
James Wagner
April 28, 2023
Tom, I drove by your house today on Cuesta CT, just up the street from my house. Today is my44th anniversary married to Nancy. We looked at our wedding photos and you were prominently there. It was an honor to have you at our wedding. I can't wait to see you in the afterlife. I love you like a brother. God Bless
Barbara Cantlon Anderson
April 28, 2023
One Great Friend! Miss him at my Christmas Party, Bank, and of course Reno Rodeo!
Jim Wagner
November 29, 2021
Thinking of one of my best friends that I ever had, Tom. I sure miss you - going on 10 years. Not sure where the time went but miss you greatly. I hope the rest of the family is doing well. Have pretty much lost contact with them all. God Bless Tom and his family. You will always have a warm spot in my heart.
Dan Muzik
April 29, 2021
You have been gone for nine years. It does not seem that long. The hurt is still there. You are thought of often. Love you my friend.
Jane O'Brien
May 17, 2012
I just learned about your passing today from Ray Roberts. I am saddend by the loss. You were always an upbeat, friendly, man who loved life, music, poetry, the outdoors and horses. I remember helping you to learn The Night Before Christmas poem on a hike. You were a great support when my sister was sick. Rest in peace Tom. say hello to my sis. She beat you to heaven by a few weeks.
Michelle Roberts
May 13, 2012
Julie we are so sorry for your loss. Tom has been a dear friend for many years. Lots of wonderful memories of a very treasured friend. He was always their to help others, and be apart of the Reno community. He was helping my uncle fight his battle with throat cancer. My step dad loved having him in his woodshop class, and was proud of how the dining table turned out. Tom left a legacy and touch many peoples heart. I pray that you and Toms famiily know that he is in heaven and watching over you. Godbless Ray and Michelle Roberts, my mom Karen Peska.
PS I know he and my stepdad are having a good time telling jokes they seem to never talk about investments.
Tony & Diane Ilardi
May 10, 2012
Julie, Diane and I were both saddened when we heard the news about Tom. Tom was not only our financial advisor, he was our friend. Whenever we would get together to talk about our account we would always share a cowboy poem or two and talk about flying or what was going on at the Reno Rodeo.
We are sorry that we were on the road traveling when we got the news about Tom. We could not get home in time for his service; but I understand it was a great tribute to a great man. Thanks for honoring him Julie.
You have our phone number, please call us if there is anything we can do to help you. Your friends,
Ed & Cheryl Vauk
May 9, 2012
A smile on his face, a friend to everyone. He truely made our world a better place.
May 8, 2012
We only met Tom once when he flew out to Dayton to get information on starting a new flying business like Chuck had done for many years. We visited all Sunday afternoon and ejoyed having him here to get to know. He sent a lovely thank you note for our time, and the pleasure was ours. We are grateful for a new friend even for such a short time.Our sincere sympathy. Chuck and Jo Saulisberry.
Barbara Cantlon Anderson
May 8, 2012
Tom will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community with his pressence and enthusiasm. He was looking forward to being the Reno Rodeo President for 2013. My condolences to his family, Julie and her family. May God grant him confort and have a horse and plane waiting for him.
Kelly Dean
May 8, 2012
Julie-
I am so glad you were there for Tom thru his struggle, but I want to just remember the way you guys were on the BCHA pack trip up on Mount Rose, his great cooking and the fun we had trading stories. That photo of you and the horses , then of Tom cooking comes immediately to mind. Two of our members, Tom and Dan Hienz passed away on the same day and I miss both of them, different as they were. I am so sorry for your loss and that I din't find out about it in time to go to his services to honor him and support you.
David Martin
May 6, 2012
I wish to express my Deepest Sympathy to you Julie and your family for your loss as I knew Tom through his brothers Larry & Bill, his Sister Margaret, and of course his parents Gaetano (Tom) and Mary to who I also wish to offer my heartfelt sorrow in their loss as well……….. His (Tom's) life was cut too short and in the other entries that I have read, I find he had a very interesting and full life with the obvious respected friends and acquaintances……… Rest in Peace, Thomas, you will definitely be missed..!
Dawn Hanel
May 6, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Julie and Tom's family. I did not know him very long but felt like I did. What a kind, fun, genuine person. I am so saddened with your passing. You will be very missed!!
May 5, 2012
I was very saddened by Tom's passing. I recently saw him at the welding supply store and we laughed at our new hobby obsession (welding). He was a natural leader and his warm, friendly personality was addictive. As part of the Nevada Military Support Alliance, I worked the USMC Javelin Thrust hospitality center at the Reno Airport with Tom and the CAP. He literally made it the success it was. The community will miss his leadership, presence and enthusiasm. I am glad I got to know him and also know we need more just like him. My condolences to him family.
RJBath
Maj Gen (ret) USAF
Reno, NV
Tina Chircop
May 5, 2012
Tom was in several of my classes, class of 1970. He was kind, smart, and a good friend to all. My prayers and condolences to Tom's family. May God grant them peace and comfort.
Martha Glass
May 4, 2012
I knew Tom in high school and called him my friend. He and my brother Karl (Butch) Glass were classmates and good friends. I'm sure Tom and Butch are hanging out together now, and I pray we all reunite in Heaven one day. May God comfort Tom's loved ones. Blessings to all.
Tammy Lawson Meek
May 4, 2012
Tom was a great guy in high school and I'm certain he never changed. Condolences to his family. The Class of 1970 will truly miss him
Jean A. Gage
May 4, 2012
From the crazy days at IBM, to fishing in Ft. Bragg, to comparing notes on aviation . . . Good Times All. I can only image that your wings are better now than ever!
Gilda Carrasco
May 4, 2012
I am very sorry for your loss.
Dar Alm
May 4, 2012
So sad to hear this news. My condolences go out to his surviving family. I didn't know Tom that well, but was a close friend to his sister, Margaret. Peace be with your family, and rest in peace, Tom.
Janice Howard Damiano
May 4, 2012
Having gone to the same high school connects us almost as family. Although I did not know you personally Tom, I certainly knew of you and your siblings. It is apparent how well loved you are, my heartfelt condolences to all of those loved ones. Peace to you brother Cardinal.
Carla Gunnels
May 4, 2012
Although I did not know Tom, I did know his brother, Larry, as we went to Mt Pleasant HS in San Jose, Ca together. Have a safe flight, Tom. Say hello to Larry from me.
Sherry Dix-Knackstedt
May 4, 2012
Have a blessed journey Thomas. Mt. Pleasant Grad '73 Sher
Adam Mayberry
May 4, 2012
Tom - I only wish I would have friended you earlier. Thank you for your contributions to aviation and our community. My blessing to your family.
Kristine Wiley
May 4, 2012
Hang yer hat one last time up in Heaven, Tom. It was a pleasure working under you in Rodeo, and with you in the community. An even greater Pleasure knowing you.
Dan Muzik
May 4, 2012
Tom,
I thank you for being a friend for so many years. We have had fun in Alaska, Mexico, on the ocean, at Humboldt and in Reno. I will carry a lot of very good memories and love into thr future. You will be dearly missed.
Kathy Autrey
May 4, 2012
Tom will always have a special place in my heart...such a kind, gentle man...always quick with a smile...Tom, I will miss you.
Jeff & Lisa Shearer
May 4, 2012
A truly wonderful man that will be missed everyday. A life cut far to short. All our love to Toms family and friends during this very difficult time.
Sally Hale
May 4, 2012
We miss you Tom, Have a safe flight.
Dan & Sally
Terry Vanzant
May 4, 2012
Tom was like a brother to me. I will always miss him.
Sharon and Chuck
May 4, 2012
Tom will be missed. He was such a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Julie, and with all of the family, at this difficult time.
Harvey and Mary Fenton
May 4, 2012
I remember when Tom first Joined the Rodeo Association. When he rode cause he used my horse. What a special person Tom was. I am so so sorry for your loss Julie, you had an amazing husband. The world was a better place with Tom here. He was an amazing friend. I will miss him. Hang in there, he will be watching.
Duane Coombs
May 4, 2012
Godspeed Tom-- We will miss you.
Duane and Heather Coombs
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