It is with deep sadness and devastated hearts we announce the passing of a great man, Eugenio Pagnotta in his 85th year. He was born in a small village in Aiello, Calabria, in Italy on July 22,1938. His soul left us in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada on Tuesday October 25th, 2022, at the F.J. Davey Home with his children and grandchildren by his side. Eugenio will be welcomed into heaven by his loving wife Angela (predeceased November 13th, 2021) and daughter Mirella.
A true gentleman, who lived for his family and most of all a loving father to Josie (Mauro) Facca, Steve Karasavidis (late), Mirella (late), Rose (Mark) Taylor, Mary (Mark Palmer) and Eugene Paul. He was the treasured loving Nonno, to Stefanie and Nikolas Karasavidis, extra nonno to Justin & Emma Facca, Zachary and Miranda Taylor and Nathan Palmer, Mark and Morgan Palmer. Son of the late Ferdinando and Giuseppina Pagnotta. Loved son-in-law to Angelo (late) and Antonietta (late) Bruni. Brother, of Giovanni Pagnotta (late Amalia), Michael Pagnotta (Franca), Arturo Pagnotta (Ida), Carmela Guidoccio (late Gabrielle), Orlando Pagnotta (Maria), late Ermelinda Silvano (late Frank), Rosetta Fiorelli (Giuseppe), Egidio Pagnotta (Maria), late Filippina. Special loving and thoughtful uncle to Maria, late Lori and Lucy Silvano, Fernando (Anne) Pagnotta and Lydia (Aldo) Guzzo. Special brother-in-law of Alfredo and Nella Bruni. Loving uncle to Angelo (late), Massimo and Antonietta (James). He always had a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews near and far, in Edmonton, Belgium and Italy.
Our dad worked hard and dedicated his life to his family and friends. He emigrated from Italy to Belgium, Germany than on to Canada to reside in Sault Ste. Marie. He spent over 33 yrs. working at Algoma Steel, where he enjoyed working with the guys and also running his own coffee and snack bar for his fellow co-workers. Our home was the gathering place for everyone. He made sure his kids were always taken care of even when they moved into their own homes. There were multiple daily shopping trips to his favorite stores, especially Food Basics. The shopping turned into care packages of food which were delivered to each of his kids homes and went as far as southern Ontario to ensure we were well provided for. He did the best packing of cars and before every trip he was sure to reorganize the trunk and throw in a few extra care packages. First, he was a hockey dad then the hockey Nonno, he often travelled with his grandchildren’s teams, took his own stats, and watched every game and cheered the team on as if every player was his own.
Our father also taught his son-in-laws how to make salami and he would always enjoy teaching and sharing his knowledge with the guys. He had his special way of taking everyone under his wing and sharing what he knew to grow a proper garden and make an amazing salad with his special oil and vinegar mix. Our father’s apple of his eye was Eugene Paul. He doted on his boy from the day he was born. Eugene never left his side as he grew into adulthood and his dad was his best friend. As a family we spent many years by both our parents' sides just spending time, enjoying them, their wit and sharing jokes filled with a lot of laughter.
He touched many of our lives unlike anyone ever has. We can all take comfort in knowing his suffering has ended and his memory and legacy will live on through his children and family. He taught us how to love and put family first, take care of each other and to be there for each other. We will take his legacy and carry it on within our own families just like he taught us.
The world was a better place for having our father in it. He was an overall good person, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and always the best neighbor. He was a nice, hard-working man who asked for nothing and gave everything he had to his family and friends.
The last 3 years, daddy settled into the Davey Home where he received the best of care from all his caregivers. His smile would bring out the best in everyone around him and everyone called him Papa. He was well known throughout the building talking with anyone he met and sharing his life events with his 2nd family. Our family cannot express enough how much my parents’ lives were enriched in the last 3 years with the love that surrounded them on Driftwood 1. Thank you - these caregivers are angels on earth. We would especially like to thank with all our hearts, Dr. Fritz. He dedicated his medical expertise to assisting our parents through their health challenges. He spent precious time getting to know them and talk with them besides the excellent care and attention he provided. This warms the family’s heart to have such a beautiful soul out there taking care of people.
To honour our dad’s wishes, Mass will be at St. Gerard Majella Church (211 Pentagon Blvd.) on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 1 p.m. Following the Mass, Entombment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. A gathering will be held after the cemetery and will be announced. If you are unable to attend the service please visit www.funeraweb.tv and select Eugenio’s name. The service can be viewed online starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days following. Memorial contributions to the Diabetes Association or ARCH (payable by cheque or online) would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Eugenio’s family may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.