Prairie State Wire

Lockport - Francesco "Frank" Pagano, 76, of Lockport, IL, passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2025, surrounded by family, following a long battle with cancer. Born in Isola delle Femmine, Sicily, Italy, in 1949 to Pietro and Provvidenza Pagano, Frank served in the Italian Navy and later worked as a lifeguard at his hometown beach, where he met his wife Mary during her summer vacation in 1971. The couple married in 1973 and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2023.

An active member of St. Dennis Parish, the St. Dennis Men's Club, and the American Italian Cultural Society, Frank and Mary were successful business owners in Lockport for over 40 years, operating Pagano Foods, Liquor Plus, and Pizza Plus on State Street. He was known for his love of soccer and renowned for his homemade pizza parties.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Mary Pagano; children Peter, Angela, and Joseph Pagano; grandchildren Sophia, Anna, and Norah; siblings Giuseppa, Francesca Maria, Piera, and Giuseppe Pagano; sister-in-law Toni Bannon. He was preceded in death by his parents Pietro and Provvidenza Pagano.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dennis Church in Lockport on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville, IL. For more information, contact (815) 838-5010 or visit www.oneilfuneralhome.com.

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