Thomas Pagano

Mr. Thomas Pagano, age 87, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away on June 28, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Lunch will be held on Saturday, July 25th at 12 noon at the family’s home at 277 Glen Lake Dr, Hoschton GA, 30548.

Tom, also affectionately known as Pudgy, was born on October 24, 1938, in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Frank Pagano and Rosina DeSarno. He was a proud alumnus of Bayonne High School, where he played football for the varsity squad and was frequently featured in the local newspaper highlighting his performance and leadership on the field. He received multiple offers to play college football.

Besides athletics, Pudgy excelled as a natural artist and was skilled in painting and free-hand drawing. He later brought his discerning eye to photography, where he used his gifts to chronicle his life and family, as well as capturing the natural beauty around him. He added cement sculpture casting and painting to his repertoire and his works proudly adorn his family’s homes. Most recently, Tom was busy creating art with his 3D printer, showcasing a mind that was never at rest or satisfied with what had been accomplished. He always had more he wanted to do.

Tom was always an advocate for technology and was an early adopter of many of the gadgets that are now indispensable for modern life such as gaming consoles (Intellivision!) and the PC (Apple IIe!). He ensured that his family had opportunities to use and understand the devices he knew would change the world in his lifetime. More recently, he was an advocate of alternate fuel technology, starting with the hybrid Prius and later moving into the fully electric Tesla. 

Even though he was from an urban area, Pudgy had an affinity for nature, especially horses, and he would take every opportunity to ride in the fields and forests. He also grew to become a great lover of dogs and his beloved mini-Aussie Shepherd, Rosie, was his constant companion in his last years. He reveled in calling himself “The Dogfather” as an amusing nod to both his connection to Rosie and his Italian heritage. They could often be spotted cruising around the neighborhood on his electric UTV checking out the pond, geese, and woods.

In mid-life, Tom discovered his culinary talents and was able to transform historic family recipes into much sought-after dinners. Of special significance was his manicotti and meatballs, often requested for special occasions. He also developed a mean bourbon-marinated salmon and shrimp scampi, though he would never so much as taste it, since he professed to hate fish (except canned tuna!). Each of his meals was crafted with love and care, and he delighted in the enjoyment of his family and guests.

Tom was the orchestrator of the neighborhood poker game and thoroughly enjoyed hosting his friends for some light competition. His mind remained sharp, even as his body began to fail.

Tom was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, father-in-law, grandfather and friend whose absence will be felt for many years; however, we bask in the light that was his life and our time together and we hold each other close to preserve his memory. Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Jill Pagano, his daughter, Valerie Pagano (Kevin Miller), his stepson, Christopher Neitzer (Ashley Neitzer), his grandson, Zane Neitzer, his sister, Rachel Sanzo, his ex-wife, Mary Pagano, and his beloved dog, Rosie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s honor be made to the following organizations:

Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center: Donate to Hospice of NGMC
Bayonne High School Athletics: Donation Interest Form - Bayonne School District
Humane Society of Jackson County, GA: Humane Society of Jackson County

Memorial Park Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Highway 53, Braselton, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Pagano, please visit our floral store.