[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF FRANK PAGANO: FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF 
                        JERSEY CITY AND BAYONNE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
gentleman, Frank Pagano, who has distinguished himself through his 
continuous dedication to the residents of my district. Mr. Pagano will 
be honored by the Bayonne Chapter of UNICO on March 8, 1997, at a black 
tie dinner dance to be held at the Atrium Restaurant in East Orange, 
NJ.
  Throughout his long career, Mr. Pagano has been a businessman, model 
citizen, and devoted family man. His entrance into the retail grocery 
industry came at an early age. In 1929, Mr. Pagano, while still in high 
school, went to work at Tony Stagno's butcher shop located on the 
corner of Third and Brunswick Streets in Jersey City. His exemplary 
work ethic helped him to become proprietor of his own establishment. 
Never one to miss an opportunity to explore new horizons, Mr. Pagano 
added produce, groceries, and a deli to his business in 1949 and became 
Jersey City's first independent owner of a supermarket. The current 
location of Mr. Pagano's business, North Street in Bayonne, was opened 
in 1975 with the assistance of his son Joseph. The new store has been 
an institution in Bayonne for over 20 years. In 1966, Mr. Pagano was 
selected Man of the Year by the New Jersey Food Merchants.
  Mr. Pagano's commitment to serving his fellow community members 
extends far beyond his business endeavors. He is a firm believer in the 
notion that assisting our young people to achieve their full potential 
is the best way for us to meet the challenges of the future. Mr. Pagano 
has been actively involved in organizations such as the Hudson County 
Sierra Club and the Jersey City Boys' Club. He is a member of the Dante 
Alighieri Society, past president of UNICO of Jersey City, and Alhambra 
Caravan 8. For his efforts, Mr. Pagano has received numerous awards, 
including the 1992 Everyday Hero Award, the Devoted Service Award from 
the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County, and the Humanitarian Award 
from the Assumption Catholic War Veterans Post No. 1612.
  The core of Mr. Pagano's existence is his family. He has been married 
to the former Anna Garguillo for 59 years. Mr. and Mrs. Pagano are the 
proud parents of two sons, Joseph and Neil. Joseph and his wife 
Charlotte have two children, Ben and Joseph; and Neil and his wife 
Elaine are the parents of three children Kristen, Stacy, and Stephen.
  Mr. Pagano epitomizes excellence in community service, and has had a 
positive impact on many lives. It is an honor and a pleasure to have 
such a man residing in my district. I am certain that my colleagues 
will rise with me and honor this remarkable individual.

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