Waterloo - Robert “Bob” Joseph Pagano, Sr.,  71, of 3214 Miller Rd., Waterloo, died Wednesday (March 21, 2012) at Highland Hospital in Rochester.

Friends may call from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday (March 23), at Coe-Genung Funeral Home in Waterloo. The service will be 10:30am Saturday (March 24), at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waterloo.  Rev. James Fennessy, pastor, will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterloo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes, 94 Exchange St., Geneva, 14456.

Robert was born January 1, 1941 in Waterloo, the son of Augustine and Mary DeNard Pagano.  He was a 1959 graduate of Waterloo High School.  After graduating he began employment with Moore’s Furniture in Waterloo for a short period of time. Leaving employment at Moore’s Furniture he was then hired with the Seneca Falls School District. He later became manager of the cafeterias for the district, retiring in 1988.  He also owned and operated The Stop Restaurant in Waterloo, for nine years.

After selling The Stop he owned and operated Pagano’s Loft in Waterloo and was also known in the community for his chicken barbeques, until retiring in 2010.   He was active in the community having been a charter member and past president of the Waterloo JC’s.  He was also a member and past president of the Waterloo Lions Club.

He volunteered for several Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes activities.  He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church. He loved the outdoors having owned a home on the lake, where he enjoyed his family and friends.  He also enjoyed boating and fishing.

His is survived by his loving wife of 50 years,  Emily Wessig Pagano; son, Robert J. (Sue) Pagano, Jr. of Seneca Falls; daughter, Rhonda (Dale) Zettlemoyer of Waterloo; grandchildren,  Robert J. (Andrea) Pagano, III of Baldwinsville, Stacey Pagano of Seneca Falls, Nicole (David L.) Zettlemoyer Cheney and Sara Zettlemoyer both of Waterloo; aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Karen Pagano.