Gilbert J. Pagnoni, Jr.
Gilbert J. Pagnoni, Jr., age 76, passed away at home on December 10, 2022, of natural causes.
Gil was born in West Philadelphia, the second oldest among five children.
Gil is predeceased by his wife Anita Pagnoni (Gatto) whom he was married to for 22 years before her passing, his parents Gilbert J. Pagnoni, Sr., and Christine T. Pagnoni (Marino), his two sisters and their husbands Lorraine McDermott (Ed), and Rosemary Christie (John).
Gil is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Schaen Pagnoni, together for 25 years.
Gil is also survived by his two close brothers John M. Pagnoni (Dolly), and Laurence A. Pagnoni (Wei), in-laws, Fred and Barbara Schaen, Kevin and Rebecca Schaen, Michael and Stephanie Felock, Nieces, Christa McDermott (Andrew), Nicole Pagnoni Harris (Justin), Madison Schaen, Nephews, Michael Christie (Karey), Stephen Christie (Tracy), Robert Christie (Becky), John Pagnoni, Jr, Carlos D. Rodriquez, Jose R. Rodriquez, Kyle Schaen and Jack Schaen.
Gilbert graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, PA. He also graduated from the Quaker City Institute of Aviation where he earned an aircraft mechanics license. He served honorably in the US Air Force Reserves, and later worked as a jet mechanic for Atlantic Aviation.
Gil was an investor and entrepreneur, and he and his brother John were business partners for more than five decades. Gil and John were a team. They looked out for each other in every aspect of their lives. Together they had many businesses, including Pagnoni’s Repair Shop, and J & D Discount Tires, located in Lawrence Park Industrial Park, Broomall PA.
Gil genuinely loved his large Italian family; he especially loved hearing from them all. Gil would take his parents to his brother Laurence’s lake house in upstate New York, and, following Anita’s death, he welcomed the love and support of home cooked meals at Dolly and John’s home.
Gil also loved his little Yorkie dog Bitz, his faithful companion.
Our family expresses deep appreciation to our cousin Danny Freda for his unconditional care and support, and for all the times he would stay with us in Brigantine, NJ watching sports and visiting the casino. Danny traveled with us which allowed Gil greater independence. Because of Danny’s support, Gil was able to enjoy front row seats to watch The Eagles in the playoffs in New Orleans, attend The Phillies Spring training, and visit Aruba, Las Vegas, and Hollywood, Florida, places that on his own he would not have been able to go.
We also are eternally thankful for our brother-in-law Kevin Schaen whom Gil considered the son he never had. Kevin spent countless hours watching sports, talking horseracing, traveling, and helping Gil travel. Kevin provided Gil with dignity. The love Kevin showed to Gil was huge, and he was there for anything Gil needed, especially in Gil’s final days.
Gil also adored our sister-in-law, Rebecca Schaen, who always graciously honored his requests, and to Michael and Stephanie Felock for being there for us no matter the reason.
A heartfelt thank you to Jason Cylc for being a dear friend and caregiver over the last several years. Also to our friends Linda, Joe, Donna & Tom, Cathy & Ralph, Dominic, Maria & Fernando, all of you are family to us.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Gil’s wish was for everyone to make a toast in his honor in joyful celebration that he is now pain free. Services will be private.
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