Monday, September 16, 2019
Where do I even start with this. After 82 years of life, one of the people that all of us here today knew and loved has passed away. Thomas G. Pagnotta was many different things. He was a devoted father and grandfather who loved both his children and us grandchildren more than anything in the world. He was never one to talk on the phone much, but he would always end it the same way: “alright, I’ll let you go.” For us, his family, he would also make sure to finish every call with “I love you” as well. For some of you here today, you may have gotten the I love you at the end of the phone call, too. If there was anything that my grandpa loved as much as his family, it was the North Bellmore Fire Department Co. 2. For nearly forty years, my grandpa was able to be a part of something special. I will never forget going eating breakfast with Grandpa at the bar and or the time where we watched “Jerry Springer” with him and “Old Man Al” Ruggerio. No, but seriously, Grandpa loved being a part of this fire department and being able to help others, something he loved to do, even in the grocery store when he would tell random strangers what ingredients are in your common hot dog. Along the way, though, he met so many new people that he was lucky to call his friends for years to come. Names like Lennie Calluci, Jimmy Dishman, Bobby Marshall and especially Tony LaCentra as well as many others will always have a special place in me and my family’s hearts. Thank you for being a part of my Grandpa’s life and I want everyone in this room know that he loved all of you guys as brothers. Grandpa is in a better place now, though. Let’s be honest, he probably has a great spot upstairs after showing them the 15% off coupon that he found in the coupon book stand right outside of the gates. My Grandpa was truly a person that enriched everyone’s life and brightened you day every time you saw him. I think I speak for everyone when I say that he will be dearly missed. As Charlie Puth says, “It’s been a long day, without you my friend and I’ll tell all about it when I see you again”. Rest In Peace Grandpa and we’ll all see you again someday.
