Obituary of Josephine Pagano

Josephine A. Pagano died July 28 peacefully at home in Vineland after a brief illness. Born January 20, 1926 in Vineland, she was the daughter of Stephen F. Pagano and Adeline (Zerga) Pagano and the younger sister of Stephen J. Pagano. After graduating from Montclair State University, Jo first taught in the Clayton, New Jersey school district before moving to North Jersey where she would join, and eventually head, the math department at Maplewood Junior High School. She returned most summers to her family home in Vineland, and after she retired she continued teaching, as an adjunct professor at Cumberland County College. Jo enhanced the life of her hometown through her dedication to and work with organizations including the Vineland Library Foundation and the Antique, Arts and Cultural Society of South Jersey. The Woman's Club of Vineland named her their Woman of the Year in 1995 and gave her their Founder's Award in 2010. She was named Vineland Citizen of the Year in 1999 by the Chamber of Commerce. A generous neighbor, she always kept an eye out for those who needed support. She helped ease day-to-day challenges for those as close as her block and as far away as a Honduran orphanage. Jo, whose dream job had once been to be a fashion designer, expressed her artistic side through her photography, drawing, and painting, often entering her work in local art competitions. Her style was also reflected in the series of sharp-looking Ford Thunderbirds she drove. A member of the Countryside Garden Club, she enjoyed tending the garden her father had planted in their yard. A gifted storyteller and the keeper of family lore, she was proud of her Genoese heritage and was given the Italian American Award in 1992 by the Sicilian American Club. She is survived by her sister-in-law Gloria Pellegrini Pagano of Arlington, Virginia; her nephew Stephen Pagano of Niskayuna, New York and his family; and her niece Anne Pagano of Oswego, New York and her family. An event celebrating Jo will be scheduled for late August. Contributions in her name to any of the organizations listed above are welcomed. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com