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Remembering
Joseph S. Pagano, Jr.
Middletown Fire Department — Connecticut
Classification: Career
Rank: Captain
Date of Death: November 3, 2006
Age: 52
Captain Joseph S. Pagano, Jr.’s last alarm came
November 3, 2006, in the line of duty,
while serving his city, when he suffered
a heart attack after responding to
multiple calls. This alarm signaled
the passing of a fire fighter who
dedicated his life and career to
God, family, and education.
He spent 28 years nurturing,
mentoring, and leading the
fire fighters of Middletown,
Connecticut.
Captain Pagano loved
his family. He married
Linda in 1983, and for 23
years they created lasting
memories which included
his fellow firemen. He will
forever be remembered
through his two daughters,
Marlise, 20, and Justine, 17.
Joe’s passion for life showed in
everything he did. As a young
man, he starred in high school baseball
and football. His presence defined
each team’s personality. Joe’s experiences
at Xavier High School, an all male Catholic
high school, shaped much of his belief in service
above self, and it forged a path that included a life spent
with God, his family, and his fellow fire fighters.
Joe was appointed a fire fighter on September 11,
1978, completed the Fire Academy in October 1978,
and soon received his first promotion to Lieutenant.
Joe was active in the fire department’s union, even
after he had moved from rank and file into a leadership
position. His efforts always focused on improving
the working environment and the lives of each family
under his command and in his department.
In 1999, Joe was promoted to the rank of
Captain. In a ceremony punctuated by
loud bursts of applause, he was sworn
in to his new position. Joe’s personal
mantra was to better all aspects
within the fire department
without compromising the
value that he placed upon the
lives of each fire fighter and
family. Joe Pagano was an
extension of all that is good
in fire departments across
our nation.
In the Middletown community,
Joe was known
for his kindheartedness
and his loud and authoritative
“safe” and “out” calls
made as a high school and
American Legion umpire.
His fairness and passion for
supporting youth athletic and
educational programs spoke
volumes about Joe’s love for
the youth in Middletown. Joe
was a familiar face on the Wesleyan
University campus, and students often
called upon him in time of need.
On November 9, 2006, an entire city was brought
to its knees by the untimely passing of Joe Pagano.
Businesses and schools closed, and an entire community
came together to say goodbye and thank you.
During Joe’s eulogy, his best friend, Rick Misenti,
summed up Joe’s legacy. Mr. Misenti said, “Great leaders
last forever. The great leader becomes immortal.”
Joe Pagano will live forever in the lives of all the people
he touched, mentored, and loved.