A crowd of about 125 family members celebrated 61 years at the Pagano annual family reunion held on Sunday, July 25 at the Willow Creek Winery in Sheridan.

The event began with a welcome speech by Joseph Bowers. He later called the numbers for the many raffles held.

A short business meeting was held after dinner by Michael T. Pagano. A moment of silence was given for all the deceased members, especially William Dolce and Pauline Sesnie, who died this last year. Sesnie died July 16, 2015, but had been working with the committee on the reunion plans. She had her reservation paid and was one of the first reservations received. The prize money was presented to her nephew, Judge Rich Saletta, for having the closest birthday to Pauline’s. He, in turn, donated it to the reunion committee.

Guests welcomed included: Ryan Forbes (friend of Marissa Restivo), Trevor Grupa (friend of Joe Caine), Mariah Polowy and Tessa Hock (cousins of the Bowers family), and Debbie Carrow (friend of Joe Tedesco).

As is tradition, a “Rotation of Birthdays” was celebrated. This year, all members and guests with birthdays in September and October were gathered and everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to them. September birthdays included Pat Gerbracht, Nina Tedesco, Miranda Pagano, Grace Restivo, and John Pagano. The October birthdays included Joseph Bowers, Cosie Pagano, John Judski, Jen Pagan, Charles Ricotta, Ben Pagano, and Jo Gizzi.

The following prizes were awarded: four-way tie for the first reservation went to Roseann and Paul Carlson, Sesnie, Joy and John Judski, and Richard and Anita Saletta. The Judskis were also celebrating 50 years of marriage.

Michael Caine kept the children busy with lots of games, prizes, and a pinata.

Prizes were also presented for the oldest female family member present (Celia Petrella of Sheridan) and the oldest male family member present (Tom Tedesco of Falconer.) The youngest female member present was Aliyah McDermott, daughter of D.J. McDermott and the youngest male member present was Charles Pagano, son of Michael G. and Christina Pagano of Williamsville. The farthest travelled was Jamie Pagano and children from North Carolina. The 50/25/25 money raffle prizes were presented to Joy Judski and Rose Pagano.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation of trophies and money prizes to the winners of the annual horseshoe contest. First place winners were Angelo Pagano and John Pagano. The second place winners were Frank Pagano and Joe Dolce. They were also presented with money gifts. John Pagano graciously donated his money prize back to the reunion committee.

A new committee was announced for the July 31, 2016 reunion. They include Chris Carlson, Paul and Diane Pagano, Angelo and Karen Pagano, Bruce and Elizabeth Valvo, Michael Caine, Michael Pagano, Joseph and Ron Bowers, Beverly Pagano, and Linda Williams. It was announced that Mary Lou Pagano will step down as general chairman, and she was thanked for her many years of dedicated service to the reunion. Beverly Pagano has agreed to assume this role.

The committee for this year included Angelo and Karen Pagano, Paul and Diane Pagano, Margaret and Don Close, Michael Caine, Michael Pagano, Beverly Pagano, Linda Williams, Mary Lou Pagano, and Joseph Bowers. They all did a wonderful job entertaining the family members who travelled from North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Long Island, and all the local villages and cities.