Gino Pagluica Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Our family sadly announces the passing of our beloved, Gino, on October 13, 2024. Born April 15, 1930 to Joseph and Carmela Pagluica in Medford, MA, he was the youngest in a large, hardworking Italian family. A soft-spoken and humble young man, he demonstrated his athleticism and academic strength early at Medford High School. He was a key player on the legendary MHS 1948 football team, earning him a scholarship to Georgetown University. During college, he turned down an NFL draft offer, choosing to finish his degree. After graduation, he served his country as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Returning home, Gino married the former Shirley Gibb and earned his master's degree in engineering. There followed a long career as an aerospace engineer at Pratt & Whitney designing jet engines. Settling in Manchester, CT, Gino was a hands-on father to their four children, encouraging and supporting all of their interests. He coached the girls softball team and the boys little league. Gino had a great passion for skiing, loading the family station wagon every winter weekend with family and skis headed for the slopes. Gino was a member of the ski patrol at the Springfield Ski Club for many years. He was also an avid mountain biker and runner. After retiring, Gino moved with his wife Shirley to Wells, ME and continued downhill skiing and biking into his 90th year of life. He worked out at a local gym until two months ago, a testimony to healthy living. During his move, our family uncovered many awards and honors that he had received over his lifetime. These he had kept to himself demonstrating his innate modesty. Deeply mourning his loss, Gino leaves behind his wife, Shirley, of 68 years, his children, Gino Jay Pagluica and his wife, Marion, of Westfield, MA, Susan Caron and her husband, Richard, of Wells, ME, Steven Pagluica and his wife, Robin, and Sandra Armetta and her husband, Robert, of Manchester, CT. He also leaves his grandchildren, Betsy Caron, Nicholas Pagluica, Cathy Francoeur, Maria Armetta, Anthony Armetta, April Armetta and Ashley Motowidlak, and great-grandsons, Benjamin and Samuel Shukas, and Teddy Francoeur. Finally we would be remiss not to include his devoted niece Debbie Doherty-Scannell, of Steep Falls. A private family memorial service will be held at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, ME.