SHERIDAN – A very dark and gloomy morning gave way to a beautiful sunny day so that about 150 people could celebrate 62 years for the Pagano Family Reunion at the Willow Creek Winery on Saturday, July 30.

The event was started with a welcome speech by Master of Ceremonies Joseph Bowers.

A short business meeting was held after dinner. A moment of silence was given for all the deceased members, especially Sam Pagano of Alabama who passed away this past year, brother of Marion. Those gathered were happy to have his children, Sam and Stephen Pagano from Alabama, present. Also deceased this past year was Anthony Valvo of Buffalo.

The following guests were welcomed: Noah Anderson, friend of the Saletta family, Josh Shreve, friend of John Pagano, and Landon Efird, friend of Cosie Pagano.

As is tradition, a “Rotation of Birthdays” was celebrated. This year, all members and guests with birthdays in November and December were announced as the crowd sang “Happy Birthday.” The birthdays included Lorraine Calcott, Diane Pagano, Kristine Caine, Mary Nelis in November; and Kathy Pagan, Gabby and Carly Johnson, Marge Close, Justin Vanstrom, Linda Williams, Virginia McGraw and Dan Bifaro in December.

The following family members were unable to attend, but sent letters and donations: Joseph Pagano Sr., Frank and Maureen Pagano, Jeff and Lynne Pagano, Darla Petrella, Jeremy Petrella and Mary Jane Burgoon.

Prizes were given out for a three-way tie for the first reservation received to Charles Ricotta, Richard Saletta and Joy and John Judski.

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

Prizes were also presented to the oldest female family member present: Celia Petrella of Sheridan; oldest male family member present: Tom Tedesco of Falconer; youngest male family member present: Tim Sheldon (son of Kristine Caine); youngest female family member present: Johannah Kimbler (daughter of Jenn and Curt Kimbler of Chicago); and furthest traveled: Stephen and Sam Pagano of Alabama.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation of the winners of the horseshoe contest. First place winners were John Pagano of Oak Ridge, N. C. and Michael T. Pagano of Silver Creek. They were presented a trophy and a cash award. Second place winners were Mike Caine of Fredonia and Doug Kuppel of Silver Creek. They were awarded a cash prize. Michael Pagano donated his cash prize back to the reunion fund.

Many raffle prizes were presented to the family members. A money raffle was won by Terry Nelis of Bluemont, Va. and Kristine Caine of Fredonia.

A surprise visit was made from Pablo Venegas and his son, Jose Miguel, from Chile. Pablo was an American Foreign Exchange student 30 years ago, living with Karen and Guy Hock. He graduated from Silver Creek Central School in 1986. He enjoyed visiting with former classmates.

The committee for this reunion consisted of: Beverly Pagano (chairperson), Paul and Diane Pagano, Angelo and Karen Pagano, Bruce and Elizabeth Valvo, Chris Carlson, Michael Caine, Michael T. Pagano, Linda Williams and Ron Bowers and family. They all did a good job and everyone thanked them.

A new committee was appointed for the 2017 reunion. They are: Joe Bifaro and Virginia McGraw, Bruce and Elizabeth Valvo, Steve Pagano and family (Erie, Pa.), Michael T. Pagano, Michael Caine, Paul and Diane Pagano, Ed Pagano family, Beverly Pagano, Linda Williams, and the Ron Bowers family.

Family members came from Alabama, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and the local village and cities.

Joseph Bowers and Michael T. Pagano closed the meeting.