Antonio "Anthony" "Pags" Pagliaro Jr.

UTICA/SCHUYLER - Mr. Antonio “Anthony” “Pags” Pagliaro, Jr., age 36, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 in the comfort of his home with his loving family and friends by his side, after a brave 5-year battle with colon cancer. Born in Utica on April 23, 1981, Antonio was the son of Antonio “Tony” Sr. and Enrichetta (Papa) Pagliaro. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1999 and began his professional destiny and purpose in life —- to help people in need of emergency medical services, by training as an EMT with Kunkel Ambulance. He went on to earn his Paramedic degree by attending classes through the partnership program between Herkimer County Community College and Bassett Hospital. In 2004, Anthony met Nicole Krowicki, and soon after, they declared their love. They tied the knot on May 8, 2010 and dedicated their lives to one another, and to their children. Not only were Anthony and Nicole husband and wife, but best friends. You never saw one without the other or without their children, and they all shared a true companionship! It was a family affair! Pags loved his family, his life, and his work as a Paramedic/Supervisor with Kunkel Ambulance, a career that spanned over 15 years. He concurrently was a member of the Schuyler Volunteer Fire Company and the Schuyler Ambulance Company where he served as Director of Operations and was promoted to Ambulance Chief. Pag’s passion was to provide critical help and comfort to those in need, especially in his hometown of Utica. He will also be remembered for coaching, teaching, and mentoring the younger generation. The scanner was always on, and his advice was always sent, to the very end. It was more than a career; it was a calling. Anthony was adored by many. He was a truly beloved son to his parents and they will be ever mindful of what a beautiful person he was and will always be. As a brother and middle child, he was a role model and he led by example. He was respectful and always aware of his behavior. He was a leader in so many ways. As a dad, he interacted in his kids’ world in an integral way. He was the #1 ‘dance dad’ for Alexis, and for Antonio he was sports manager and taught him the protocols for Fire and Ambulance calls. Kylie was “daddy’s little girl” and she was always by his side. If something went wrong, she was never at fault.... It was so obvious that he fulfilled his role as dad with love, leniency, and laughter. Pags was also a passionate cook, a pursuit that was prompted by having an Italian mom who was a great cook, but he would power up some of the recipes with his own twist. His almond paste cookies, chocolate roll, and cassata were delectable because he was also blessed with baking skills. He added a pinch of humor to the household when he prepared his cuisine and confections. He also tried his hand at gardening, a venture that was impressive and bountiful. Pags put effort into his apparent forte as a “Mr. Fix-it” around the house. He enjoyed the great assortment of tools, but he never could get the jobs done… until he called his father-in-law, and things got fixed; yet he could paint a room like no other. He enjoyed the pastimes of collecting fire patches and statues of firetrucks, as well as visiting the Fire House of any town or city he happened to be in, and tour their facility. The 9/11 tragedy was a memory he never forgot, and when in New York City he visited, talked, and offered compassion to those who served during that tragic time. Although he was a fierce advocate of firefighters, he was, first and foremost, an EMS front liner. Anthony served on the Board of the Believe 271 Foundation, dedicated to helping firefighters in their time of need. In 2015, Pags was the first recipient of the kindness of this group. He built upon the foundation’s mantra to “Keep Clean”, a key position to foster legislation to pass a Cancer Bill for volunteer firefighters who had cancer. He was also an advocate for designating separate fire departments for each ambulance service. One of his favorite holiday events was the annual Schuyler Fire House “Breakfast with Santa”, a yearly endeavor for Pags, and this past Christmas was the largest turnout, ever. It would be a testament to him to see this scene succeed time and again in the future. Pags was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and it was his Catholic upbringing that gave him the faith and fortitude to meet his challenges, especially his illness. He was a believer and he admired his Pastor, Fr. Joe Salerno. The Lord walked alongside Antonio, to guide him through this difficult time, to a place of eternal peace. Anthony is survived by his wife, Nicole; his children, Alexis, age 13, Antonio III, age 9, and Kylie, age 5; his parents, Tony and Richetta; and his brothers and sister-in-law, Peter and Jessica Pagliaro, and Michael Pagliaro. He also leaves his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Allen and Cathy Krowicki with whom he shared much love and a big part of his life; in-laws, Danielle Krowicki and fiancé Robert Mosher, Alissia Krowicki and Eric Doolen, and Dakota Krowicki; numerous aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews, Angelina, Pietro, and Giovanni; Kendra, and Jordan; Leah, Maci, and Matthew; and a great number of cousins. He was blessed with many wonderful friends throughout his life, with special mention of Mike Knapp, John Scholl, Robert Parry, and Dan Mabbett. He will be remembered by his wife’s grandmothers, Dolores Richardson, and Phyllis Delosh. He will be embraced into the arms of his grandparents and uncles who preceded him. The family is grateful to Dr. Alicia Detraglia, and Dr. Molly Shugg for their guidance and compassion; the staff of the Regional Cancer Center and Hospice & Palliative Care for their gentle approach and love that made Pags’ final journey comfortable; Fr. Joe Salerno for his prayers; Kunkel Ambulance, Schuyler Ambulance, and his Believer 271 families for all their extended support which meant so very much. In addition, so many offered their prayers and acts of kindness, inclusive of their extended families and the community at large. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 2222 Genesee Street. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Antonio's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Rev. Joseph Salerno with full Firefighter Honors conferred. Ethan Geary/Fire Department Chaplin will be present to commemorate his memory.

Antonio "Anthony" "Pags" Pagliaro Jr.

April 23, 1981 - March 28, 2018