Donald Charles Pagnotto – Obituary
Donald Charles Pagnotto, 94, of Renovo passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his residence surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Renovo on August 15, 1926, a son of the late Michael L. and Lelia S. (Hare) Pagnotto. During WWII, Donald served in the 3rd Army, 71st Infantry Division throughout two campaigns, the Rhineland and the Central Europe. After three years of service, he returned home to Renovo with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.
In 1947, he married the former Gwendolyn B. Minnich. The couple shared nearly 40 years of marriage together before Gwendolyn passed away in 1987.
Donald worked as a brakeman for the Pennsylvania Railroad from 1942 to 1988. He also served as a legislative representative for the UTU, formerly known as the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
Donald was well known for his involvement and love of his community. He served Renovo and the surrounding areas in many capacities including holding office as Mayor of Renovo for 16 years, a former board member of Bucktail Medical Center, a past vice president of the Renovo Rotary where he received the Paul Harris Fellow recognition; a founder of the Renovo Railroad Organization where he earned the Patrick J. O’Toole award, a member of the Clinton County Tourist Promotion Board; a member of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, and a charter member of Heisey House Museum. He was a member of the American Legion #442, a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #334, and the last active charter member of the Renovo VFW Post #6178 where he held various offices.
He was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Renovo. He enjoyed collecting antiques, playing the lottery, patronizing the local Renovo stores and businesses, and spending time at the Renovo Community Senior Center.
Donald is survived by two sons, Michael D. Pagnotto of Renovo, and Donald R. Pagnotto of Renovo; three daughters, Mary F. (Richard) Adams of Renovo, Lelia S. Pagnotto of Renovo, and Christine P. (Kenneth) Kurtz of Morgantown, PA; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a special niece and nephew; son-in-law, Kenneth P. Knoedler of Circleville, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Dawn Pagnotto of Renovo; sister-in-law, Mary C. Pagnotto of State College; and companion, Sylvia Crossley of Renovo. In addition to his beloved wife, Gwendolyn, and parents, he was preceded in death by son, Thomas “Ed” Pagnotto; daughter, Deborah K. Knoedler; and brother, Francis E. Pagnotto.
A viewing will be from 6-8PM on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 5th St., in Renovo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12PM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 925 Huron Ave, in Renovo with Rev. Joseph Orr officiating. The Mass can be viewed online at 12PM on the Maxwell Facebook page or at https://tinyurl.com/donald-pagnotto. Burial will directly follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hyner with full military honors provided by the Renovo Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bucktail Medical Center, the St. Joseph Catholic Church (window restoration fund), or the Renovo Area Library.
Send condolences online at MaxwellHelt.com.
