Obituary of Domingo R. Pagano

Domingo R. Pagano passed away at his San Leandro residence on December 12, 2013. His family Celebrated his Life with his inurnment at Calvary Cemetery, along with his loving wife, Erminia P. Pagano, on Monday, November 28th, 2016. (Below is the obituary that ran in the local newspaper at the time of his passing). Domingo R. Pagano 94, of San Leandro, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2013, at his home. He is survived by his wife. Erminia (Babe); his sons, John (wife Linda) and Robert; Grandchildren: Kevin, Thomas, Jacqueline (husband Chris) and Kirsten (Andy); great-grandchildren, Marissa, Gwendolyn, Madeleine, Ryan and Nicholas; nephews, Doug (Gretchen), Jens Mahler, Jon Mahler (Linda) and Torn Ferro (Sally); niece, Judy (John) Filippa; and many cousins. Preceding him in death were hi Italian immigrant parents, Luigi and Caterina Pagano; stepmother Anna; brothers. William (Florence) and John (Olivia); stepbrother, John Ferro (Lillian); stepsister, Mae Mahler (Anker); and cousins, Andy (Myriam) Pagano and Leo (Maria) Pagano. Domingo was born in Alameda, California on March 5, 1919. He lived in (what later became) San Leandro since 1920. He graduated from Hayward High School in 1938. During the Great Depression, he worked in family businesses. In his free time, he would go to Sweet's Ballroom in Oakland to listen and dance to the big bands. After Pearl Harbor and with 30 days of training with wooden gun in San Diego, he sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge in January of 1942 and served four and half year in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Returning from WWII, he took over his father's beer & wine bar on the San Jose Highway (Washington Avenue), got a loan from his brother. Bill, in order to get a liquor license and established PAGANO'S as a working man's payroll bar for 33 years. Domingo distinguished himself as a successful businessman. He was widely respected for his integrity and colorful personality. 'He built and operated a car wash for 30 years until he retired at age 80. In the 1960’s, he built rental units in San Leandro that later became senior housing. He did not retire from maintaining the rental units until he was 84 years old. In addition to his active business career and family life, Domingo (aka Ming or Mingo) was a very involved community member. He was a member of the Alpicella Club, Buen Tempo Club and Columbo Club. He supported his local parish, St. John's of San Lorenzo, and its school. He was an avid Cal Bears, San Francisco 49er and Oakland Raiders fan, and was a season ticket holder for several years. He was als0 a member of the Southern Alameda County Raiders Boosters and traveled to several out-of-town games. Our family is most appreciative of the wonderful care that Domingo received from his caregivers, Evon and Rosalinda, over the last four years. Per Domingo's instructions, there will be no funeral services. Domingo had a great love of animals, particularly his dogs, Topper, Champ, Ruffles, Brandy, Sadie and Doe. Donations can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, Donations Department. PO Box 3950, San Rafael. CA 94912-3950 He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all.