Ronald William Pagano, 77, of Santa Rosa, California passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a twenty-year battle with chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

Born on February 29, 1948 in Norfolk, Virginia, Ron was the son of William and Genevieve Pagano. He grew up in Norfolk, Va and graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1966 and Notre Dame University in 1970. He moved to California in his 20’s and spent the rest of his life there. 

Ron worked in the field of education for many years. He taught English in the Peace Corps.  He taught retail merchandising at Healdsburg High School in 1979 before retiring in 2004.  He taught an additional 5 years at Santa Rosa High School. He served as a role model for many students over the years. 

Ron is survived by his California family including ex-wife, Colleen Phillips; step children, Deidre and Ashton Phillips; his grandchildren, Lucas and Kendall Campos; and best friends, Mike Clementi and Mike Turgeon. He is also survived by his Virginia family including brothers, Bill (Jan) Pagano and Joe Pagano and sister, Terry (Greg) Jones, as well as numerous nieces and nephews he loved very much.

Ron never forgot a birthday, anniversary or any special event. He was always interested in the lives of family and those around him.  He will be missed very much by those of us who loved him dearly. 

A memorial service will be held on October 11, 2025 at 11am at Family Choice Funerals and Cremation located at  5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to National MS Society PO Box 91891 Washington DC 20090 in Ron’s memory.