Robert Pagan, a loving husband, our beautiful dad and Grandpa, passed away at home peacefully in his sleep at age 90. He suffered much the last three months due to Parkinson’s but is now finally at rest. A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro at 10am.

He was born in Wailuku, Hawaii on the island of Maui. At a young age, his family moved to Waianae on Oahu. As a boy, he sold newspapers which included the announcement of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He graduated from Farrington High School in Honolulu in 1953 and immediately enlisted in the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict.

He was a proud Marine and loved the training and work involved in amphibious reconnaissance and the mental and physical stamina it required. He spoke often and fondly of his days in the Corp and everything the Marines stood for. He served four years active duty and chose not to re-enlist so he could pursue his passion for electronics. He attended Devry Institute of Technology in Chicago and received a degree in Electronic Technology. He then reconnected with the love of his life, our mom, in February 1961. They were married at St. John Chrysostom Catholic Church on June 10, 1961, in Inglewood, CA and went on to have three children.  His Devry degree led to a 31-year career in the aerospace industry and employment with Rockwell and later Hughes Aircraft. There he was employed in the Radar Systems Division and retired in 1989.

He loved math, reading, books, and was adept at learning how to repair anything: radios, TVs, cars, plumbing, home-repair, reroofing and painting an entire house all by himself. Collecting, restoring and refurbishing antique radios, and giving them as gifts became a passionate hobby. He loved “treasure hunting” for nostalgia at garage sales and swap meets; libraries, book sales, and junk yards – for car parts…he was a true and self-taught, handyman and do-it-yourselfer. So much that upon being laid off from one job, he supported his family by servicing and repairing TVs and radios.

He was a WWII buff especially as it pertained to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor; he loved watching Gomer Pyle and All in the Family reruns; old country music, especially Marty Robbins; 40s & 50s, but none brought him more comfort than the Hawaiian music he grew up with. His heart was always in Hawaii and both he and our mom wished to retire there but he chose to stay in California with his children and grandchildren “just in case the kids need us” …always selfless and thinking of his family...EVERYTHING took a back seat to his family.

He will be remembered as a devoted family man who loved God; ever-so-patient, quiet, kind, gentle; always ready to lend a helping-hand; being a great listener; having a unique sense of humor; and a proud Marine. He will be truly and terribly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Emilio & Elizabeth Pagan, and three siblings: Henry Pagan, Irene Corbett, and Elizabeth Pagan; and niece, Patty Neal

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Pagan; his three children: Theresa Pagan, Paul Pagan, and Gina Nader (Fred); three grandchildren: Melani Parslow (David), Freddie Nader, and Emily Nader; two great-grandchildren: Makoa Parslow and Keanu Parslow; and nephews Tommy Pieper (Aukai, Sr.) and Bobby Ballinger (Lydia) both from Hawaii; and many others.

Our deep and heartfelt gratitude to the priests from Mary Star who visited him in the hospital and at home, giving him his last rites and Sacraments.

Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Providence-Compassus Hospice for their expert and compassionate care and support during this extremely emotional time.

And…our deep, sincere and heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends who have shown us so much love, care, and support during this very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, San Pedro, CA.