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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 21, 2021)
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 11 Obituaries William Boland Merrill III John Anthony Pagano April 22, 1937 — February 6, 2021 July 22, 1952 — April 13, 2021 William <Bill= Merrill was born in Philadelphia to William and Mary Merrill. His father was an Air Force officer, so Bill and his family moved frequently around the country 3 and the world 3 living in Louisiana, Florida, French Morocco, and Wiesbaden, Germany, where Bill graduated from high school. Friends talked Bill into attending Oregon State College. Bill pledged Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and par- ticipated on the crew team and ROTC. After graduating in 1959, he was commis- sioned as an officer in the US Army. While stationed at Ft. Lewis, he met Jacqueline Phillips, a nurse, on a blind date. That successful first date led to a 55-year mar- riage. Bill and Jacque soon welcomed son, Bill, and daughter, Kelli, to the fam- ily. Meanwhile, Bill served as a Green Beret in Vietnam. After returning to the states, the family moved numerous times as Bill rose through the ranks, including assignments in Hawaii, Alabama, Kansas, Germany, and Washington, D.C. The family had many adventures camping, hik- ing, and skiing through- out Europe and the U.S. After 29 years of service, Bill retired as a Colonel. He and Jacque moved to Oregon, living in Sunriver and Bend before settling in Sisters. Bill became an avid fly-fisherman, learning to make his own rods and tie flies. The Deschutes and Metolius rivers became sec- ond homes. Bill also served on the Sisters City Council, helping provide direction for the City9s growth. Bill was proud of his ser- vice to his country and local community; he felt it was important to be involved. Bill was also proud of his children (both followed in his footsteps to OSU, and Kelli served in the Army), and especially fond of his grandkids: Ben, Griff, Abby, Aaron and Nick. Bill9s leg- acy is instilling in his kids and grandkids a love of travel, the outdoors, and ser- vice to others. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jacque. He is survived by his chil- dren, Bill (and Gigi) Merrill of Salem, and Kelli (and Ben) Baker of the United Arab Emirates; his grand- children Ben (and Joju), Griffin (and Becca), Abigail (and Matthew), Aaron (and Delaney), and Nicholas; and his brother, Hank (and Marilyn), and sister Mary Jo (and Rusty) Shenk. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held later this year. In the meantime, please celebrate Bill9s long and eventful life by hiking in the woods, fish- ing in a stream, or sharing stories in his memory. John was born July 22, 1952 in Portland, to Anthony and Frances Pagano, and died on April 13, 2021. John attended Milwaukie High School and, after high school, joined the National Guard from 1971-1976, where he found his niche in working with electron- ics and computers. John married Madeline (Pinky) DiFabio on May 11, 1974, while living in Portland. Ten years later, John had the opportunity to move his family to Sisters, where he and Pinky raised their fam- ily over the next 30 years. During that time, John started his own business, Computer Cleaning and Helitronics Landing Lights for emergency vehicles. While in Sisters, John engulfed himself in the ser- vice of his family and his community. He was a vol- unteer EMT 1 for the Sisters Fire Department for over 20 years. During that time you could see him roaming the sidelines of Sisters High School Football games or organizing the department9s Toys for Tots program in his spare time. John had two hobbies that he enjoyed most; working on electron- ics and using his HAMM Radio. His home office was scattered with tools and electronics where he was constantly <futzin= around making blinking lights or Obituaries Policy: The Nugget Newspaper does not charge a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries may be up to 400 words and include one photo. Obituaries outside these guidelines are handled by The Nugget Newspaper advertising department. Obituary submissions must be received by noon on Monday. Obituaries may be submitted to The Nugget by email or hand delivery to our office located at 442 E. Main Ave., Sisters. Quality Truck-mounted CARPET CLEANING Quality Cleaning 16 years i n Reasonable Prices Sisters! — Credit Cards Accepted — ENVIROTECH 541-771-5048 Licensed • Bonded • Insured • CCB#181062 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL Gypsy Wind Clothing WE ARE OPEN AGAIN! 183 E. HOOD AVE. New Spring Fashions EZ Wear Comfort Clothing Original Designs by Janet Shop online at gypsywindclothing.com 541-868-4479 OPEN WED. - SAT., 10 AM - 4 PM • SUN., 1 - 4 PM landing kits for Air Life. Always attached to John9s hip was his prized posses- sion, his HAMM Radio. Licensed as N7RGF, John was always on his radio, talking to friends around the state. Later in life, John was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, which slowly took away his ability to enjoy his hobbies in retire- ment. However, surrounded by family, he could be seen scootering to soccer, flag football, school plays, bike races, and the occasional road trip to Camp Sherman or Three Creek Lake. John is survived by an extensive Italian family in the Portland area. John and Pinky are most proud of their children and their extended families, which are spread across the state. Gabe and Heather Pagano, with grandchildren Maya, Max, and Dominic. Megan and Edward (Tank) Duckworth, with Bailey, Amari, and Khi. Finally, James and Krista Hayes, with Jaxon, Maddie, and another one on the way. John is also survived by his two younger brothers and their families; Ken and Marian Pagano and Dan and Tammy Pagano. John, Dad, Maddog, Uncle Johnny, or Pappa 4 you will always be #1. A mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Redmond, on April 24. The rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Cookies, coffee, and drinks to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Oregon Chapter for Multiple Sclerosis at www.national mssociety.org/Chapters/ ORC; or Redmond Fire D e p a r t m e n t a t w w w. redmondfireandrescue.org. 20 2017 0 1 7 F FORD O R D F F-250 -2 250 2 5 0 4X4 4 X4 $ LARIA LARIAT 6 2,9 , 9 00 Ultimate package, SB canopy, leather heated/cooled seats, 45K miles Bring us your t trade-ins d i and low-mileage 541-815-7397 192 W. Barclay Dr., Sisters consignments! Sisters Car Connection DAVIS TIRE Ou r family can take care of your family of autos & trailers Brakes • Axles • Ball Joints • Suspension • Shocks • Struts TIRE INSTALLATION, ALIGNMENT, REPAIR, BALANCING, ROTATION Sisters S Sis ter s Indu I Industrial n str ndu s r ial i al l Pa ia P Park a rk r k 188 W. 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