John William Paganelli

My father, John William Paganelli, left this world peacefully on May 7th, 2026, at the age of 92.

He was born in Elmira, New York, and lived a long life filled with quiet strength, steady love, and a kindness that touched more people than I think he ever realized.

To me, he wasn’t just John Paganelli. He was Dad — the one who showed up, no matter what. The one who made everything feel a little safer, a little steadier, just by being there.

He was an Army Veteran serving in Korea, after the war.

He worked for 29 years in Night Vision Optics at the Army Depot, and even after retiring in 1993, he wasn’t ready to slow down. He spent another 26 years as a greeter at Sam’s Club, where he did what came naturally to him — talking to people, listening to their stories, and making strangers feel like they mattered.

He was a loving husband to my mother, Linda Paganelli, and together they built a life centered on family. He was the foundation we all stood on — steady, patient, and always there when we needed him.

As his daughter, I knew him as someone who gave without hesitation. He raised three of us — Kirk, Paul, and me — with love, humor, and guidance that still shapes who we are today. Family gatherings felt complete because he was there. Holidays felt warmer because of his presence.

He loved the simple things — golf, pool, ping-pong, long walks — but what made those moments special was that he shared them with us. He didn’t just love life; he made sure we felt included in it.

He had a way of making people feel seen. Whether you knew him for years or just met him at the door of Sam’s Club, he treated you with kindness. That was just who he was.

He is survived by my mother, Linda; his brother Bobby and sister-in-law Mary; his nephews Anthony, Dominic, and Rick; and his niece Lisa — all of whom were part of the extended family he cared about so deeply.

There’s an emptiness now that words can’t fully explain. But there’s also a quiet gratitude — for the years we had, for the lessons he gave us, and for the love that didn’t leave when he did.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the clubhouse at Country Squire Estates. Light refreshments will be available

I will miss him every day. But I will carry him with me in everything I do.