Alexander Michael Pagnani M.D.

April 28, 1949 - April 13, 2020

Alexander Michael Pagnani M.D., 70, a resident of Fort Myers Beach, FL, for the past two years, formerly of Ocean City, NJ, for the preceding 32, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020. He was born April 28, 1949 in Trenton, NJ, to Alexander and Doris Pagnani, now deceased.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Patricia Ann Pagnani of Fort Myers Beach; three loving children, Alexander Robert Pagnani Ph.D. (Luisa Abellán-Pagnani) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Christopher Justin Pagnani M.D. of Philadelphia, PA, and Sean Michael Pagnani (Curtis Grezenski) of Boston, MA; three grandchildren, Leonardo, Alessandra, and Gianna; two brothers, Michael Pagnani (Sally) of NJ and John Pagnani of CT; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Alexander was of the Catholic faith. He was a 1967 graduate of Trenton High School, a 1971 graduate of Marietta College, and a 1976 graduate of Medical School at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. He trained in Surgery at Downstate King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan, NY, among others. He established a successful Urology practice in Cape May County, NJ, and spent four decades caring for his patients. He took great pride in his medical care and equally enjoyed the personal relationships he formed with his patients, often through talking about each other’s lives and interests. He loved spending time with his family, relaxing on the beach with a science fiction book, walking the Ocean City Boardwalk, both eating out and hosting dinners with family and friends, and organizing a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate for several decades as well. He believed that hard work built character and did his best to impress this upon his children.

A private service was held in Fort Myers Beach, FL, with immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be provided to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Dawna Lisa Apr 20, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man and he did a lot of wonderful things in this world. We pray that your family has comfort at this sad time.

  2. Edie Leigh Pepe Apr 20, 2020 at 11:27 pm

    Alex was a dear friend, and will be sorely missed. A smile that was genuine has left this world, we are sadder for our lose. For Patty , and family our hearts break, and we pray for you all.

  3. Elizabeth (Bissie) Cianfrani Apr 21, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    So very sorry. I had the privilege to work with him for many years. Not only was he a good physician, but always a gentleman. Kind, humerous and gentle with staff and his patients. Thank you for sharing him with us.

  4. Kathy Carlson Apr 21, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Great person worked with him for 40 years at BTMH/Cape Regional. Fortunately never needed his service but enjoyed his conversation. So sorry for your loss.

  5. Roland Watson Apr 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    My sincere condolences to you and your family.

  6. Molly Wiseley RN PACU CRMC Apr 21, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    I will miss talking with him about our mutual love of St.John USVI
    Rest in Peace
    Dr Pagnani

  7. Cheryl Kehner Apr 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    Dear Chris and family,

    Please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Dad. My husband Bill was his patient until your Dad retired.
    They always had great chats over the Eagles! I know Dad looked forward to retirement and hope that he had enjoyable
    times during that period.

  8. Claudette and Norman Perkins Apr 21, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Keeping all of you in our prayers. Alex was a great man who many people loved and respected. ❤️

  9. Debby Votta Apr 21, 2020 at 2:53 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of the nicest and most caring people I have known. I worked with him at the surgery center for many years. He was a pleasure to work with and so kind to his patients. We often spoke about St John and how much he enjoyed spending time there. You are all in my prayers.

  10. Colleen Beaulieu Apr 21, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    So sorry for your loss I worked with him at Cape Regional for many years.

  11. Elizabeth Dale Maguire Apr 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Rest In Peace. You where a wonderful doctor and I’m so proud to have know you.

  12. Keith Apr 21, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Loved you Alex, I remember all the great poker games

  13. Kathy Hunsicker Apr 21, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    I enjoyed working with this great gentleman for many years. I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP Dr Pag

  14. Kathy Flannery, RN Apr 21, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    So sorry to see this. May he rest in peace. He was a great, kind man and a pleasure to work with at the surgery center. We often talked about St John and Nike (my son in law works there in Oregon. He loved his wife so much and would speak of her often. He will be missed; thoughts and prayers to the family.

  15. Craig Apr 21, 2020 at 7:48 pm

    I always enjoyed working with “Pags”.

  16. Sue Godin Apr 21, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    I am so sorry. He was an awesome Doc -so friendly to us on OB at Shore. I enjoyed our talks because we also were your neighbors on 24th and Central. With sympathy from the Godin family.

  17. Walter & Diane Brunetti Apr 21, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    So sorry for your loss, Chris. I know he was very good your family.

  18. Marvin Podolnick, MD Apr 21, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    A great guy and respected colleague .

  19. Jim Giaquinto Apr 21, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    Patty & Family – I was very sorry to learn of Alex’s passing. I fondly remember the good times we had together years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  20. Marianne robb Apr 21, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Pagnani . I am a nurse anesthetist at shore medical center . I always enjoyed the stories he told in the OR. My favorite was the one he told about attending Woodstock on a whim . He will be missed

  21. Adrienne Dougherty Apr 21, 2020 at 9:22 pm

    So sorry for your loss. I worked with Dr. Pagnani for many years in the operating room. Also had the pleasure of attending a few tailgate parties at the Eagles games. He was a wonderful person. Again. So sorry for your loss.

  22. Elin Clements Apr 21, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    Worked with Dr Pagnani many years. He was invisible and always so professional but caring first. Great sense of humor. May he Rest In Peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family

  23. Catherine Nardelli Apr 21, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    I am sorry for your loss. I worked with him for many years and found him to be a true gentleman. He was a terrific doctor who extended himself to his patients in every way. He will be missed.

  24. Rosanne Finley Apr 21, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    Dr. Pagnani was such a kind, caring sweet soul. He smiled the most when he talked about his family. He earned a special place in heaven! ❤️🙏

  25. Nancy Waddell Apr 21, 2020 at 11:21 pm

    I knew Dr. Pagnani through the Ocean City Free Public Library. He was always fun and loved to discuss his latest literary find. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

  26. Marie DeVries Apr 21, 2020 at 11:38 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. My husband and I worked at Shore Memorial and remember him as a caring. gifted doctor. He had many great stories about St Vincents where my husband also worked for a time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

  27. Mary Beth Town Apr 22, 2020 at 3:47 am

    I was so sorry to hear that we had lost Alex. I knew him as a caring physician, a gentleman, and a very proud husband and father. We were talking (years ago) about how his boys were doing and he was telling us about a community project one of them was doing as a student in OCHS. And he said “You know, there are really a lot of good kids out there, you just don’t hear about them”. And I think of him every time I hear people complain about the young people today. I think I always will. My condolences to Patty and the boys (men). He was a wonderful guy and he will be missed.

  28. Geri hennessy Apr 22, 2020 at 5:09 am

    I am so so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dr. Pagnani for over 30 years at Shore memorial and I can attest how he truly cared for his patients and loved our Philadelphia Eagles !!

  29. Sandra Lyons Apr 22, 2020 at 7:10 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Pagnani was one of the most caring and pleasant doctors I have ever had. I was a patient of his for a few years and when it came time to end my care I truly missed our office visits. Stay strong and know he was loved and admired.

  30. James Pasquale Apr 22, 2020 at 8:04 am

    I was a patient of Dr Pagnani’s back in the mid 90’s.. Because of his advice my wife and I conceived a son. He laid all the ground work for me to be successful in producing a child. He had a wonderful manner about himself. During one office visit, I vividly remember him rolling around the office in a chair and eventually falling backwards off the chair and rolling over almost like a turtle. We laughed about it then. He was just so genuine. A doctor I will never forget. I often think about him. I am so sorry to learn of his passing.

  31. Raj, Chitra,Ulrica and Jaison Udani Apr 22, 2020 at 8:10 am

    Dearest Patty and Family,

    Alex was a good man and a great eagle fan. Tailgate will not be the same without him. Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship. Our prayers are with you and family

  32. Sandy Eyde RN Apr 22, 2020 at 8:18 am

    I am deeply saddened by your loss. I have worked with Dr.Pagnani at Shore Medical Center for 30 plus years. He was a gentle soul and cared deeply for his patients. Prayers and love to his family.

  33. Gary Van Hettinga Apr 22, 2020 at 8:18 am

    I was a patient of Dr. Pagnani for many years. He was a very good doctor and a great guy to talk to. He loved talking about his family and how proud he was of his sons. May he rest in peace.

  34. Sandy Eyde RN Apr 22, 2020 at 8:22 am

    I am deeply saddened by your loss. I have worked with Dr.Pagnani for 30 plus years at Shore Medical Center. He was a gentle soul who cared deeply. Prayers and love to his family.

  35. Ellen H Lagano Apr 22, 2020 at 8:33 am

    Dr. Pagnani was an awesome doctor and very patient/kind. I never saw him in a bad mood. He will always remain in my memories ❤️💞

  36. Kerry Thomson Apr 22, 2020 at 8:39 am

    My father and myself were Dr. Pagnani s patient mid 1990s. My personal experience with him is something I will never forget. I am a prostate survivor because of him. But really I remember him telling me the hardest thing he ever had to tell parents that there child had cancer. Rest in peace Dr,. Pagnani.

  37. Steve Friedrich Apr 22, 2020 at 8:50 am

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to your entire family for this great loss! Dr Pagnani was a great man, very kind and a fantastic Doctor. He will be missed!

  38. Raymond E. Dolton Jr Apr 22, 2020 at 10:00 am

    A very kind and compassionate man and a great Doctor who really cared about his patients. I never was one to feel comfortable going to any Doctor, but Dr. put me at ease with friendly banter and always asked about the family. My sincere condolences to the family on your loss to true quality person and professional.

  39. DENISE Marchina Apr 22, 2020 at 10:05 am

    I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Pagnani. My prayers for his family. RIP Dr. Pagnani. You will be missed and remembered by many.

  40. Debbie Wittkamp Vandegrift Apr 22, 2020 at 11:16 am

    So sorry to hear of his passing! My connection with Him was through Patty and his children. When the Family lived in Ocean City and had a wonderful Collie named Paloma. Paloma came to The Salty Dog for grooming and I got to know all of you as children. I even remember us grooming a matted Guinea Pig one time!

    Many years later I got to know Patty through our mutual love of knitting. It took us a while to figure out that connection. We had many fun conversations about our memories of Paloma and the kids when they were little.

    I’m praying that your memories comfort you during this sad time!

    Debbie Wittkamp Vandegrift

  41. Bobbi Sikora England RN Apr 22, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    Remember when he first came to BTMH many moons ago. He was a gentleman and wonderful doctor. So sorry for your loss Patty and family.

  42. Evelyn Duvall Apr 22, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    I was a patient of Dr Pagnani’s. His skills have changed my life for many years and I never hesitate to give all the credit to this wonderful doctor. He was so kind, gentle and personable. As senior citizens we enjoyed sharing thoughts about years past and present. I will never forget him; he was a very special man to many people. It is very sad and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. I so wish he could have enjoyed retirement longer. Rest in peace.

  43. Sharon Van Dyke RN/ED Apr 22, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    So sorry for your loss. I worked with him at Shore Medical Center for over 30 years. He truely was a very compassionate man for his patients and an absolute pleasure to be around 100% of the time! I hope you find peace and comfort in his memories.

  44. ANTHONY T DISIMONE Apr 22, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    So sorry to hear of Doc’s passing I was his patient and he was a really caring person and an excellent physician May he find peace in paradise with the Lord

  45. Rita Sicilia Apr 22, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    So sorry. I worked with Alex many years at Cape Regional and was his patient as well. Sorely missed.

  46. Michael Blencowe Apr 22, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    Sincere Condolences. I had the pleasure of working with Dr P on many occasions in the operating room. Between the two of us we put the health care system to right. It was a pleasure to work with you. R I P Alex.

  47. david c. de young cst / cfa Apr 22, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    i was so shocked to have just heard of his passing…..the same age as dr pagani i retired from shore medical center as a staff surgical technician shortly after he announced his. we often talked about retirement over the years and finally our time came.. for over 30 years i did countless cases in the operating room next to him. i always enjoyed my time assisting him during a routine cystoscopy or an emergency case in the middle of the night or on a weekend. in the few years since i’ve retired i would think of him often an what a wonderful person he was both as a physician an a friend. i’ll continue to have those memories……

  48. Ruth Ann Coleman Apr 22, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Patty, So very sorry to here about
    Alex’s passing. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and the boys: May God bless you all💕🙏💕

  49. Diane Ross Apr 22, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    Dear family of Dr . Pagnani .. I have worked at Shore Medical Center for 42 years .I will always remember Dr Pagnani as a kind ,highly respected ,wonderful Doctor.. he treated many of my family members always with dignity and information for their treatments . Dr . Pagnani was truly a good person and top notch doctor.. Rest In Peace.. By the way he was a great , fun , softball player when we had a team many years ago..Great memories ♥️♥️ Prayers for you all!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  50. Katherine Landi Apr 22, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    We are so very sorry to hear about Dr Pagnani’s death. Our sincere condolences to the family.

  51. Ada Kimble Apr 23, 2020 at 9:42 am

    Sorry for your loss.god bless you and your family in this time of sorrow

  52. Dottie Rudert RN Apr 23, 2020 at 12:03 pm

    Such a nice down to earth gentleman. I also had the pleasure of working with Doc at SMC. OR. He will always be remembered as a kind loving soul. He deeply loved his family and spoke of you all the time. God has another angel. May you all take solace in knowing he loved you all very much.

  53. Mary E Hammer Apr 23, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    Long before there was a Bring Your Kids to Work Day! Doctor Pagnani would bring his boys to the hospital on Saturday mornings while he made rounds. He would return to collect these little guys making sure they left things the way they found them. He was a caring compassionate Doctor ,who really listened and made a difference. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Pagnani and her sons. You were so blessed to have had him in your lives.

  54. Daniel Fedeli Apr 23, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    So sad to hear this . He was may doctor at Shore Hospital I miss him . He was from Trenton same as my family the Burg.
    What a nice concern man I miss him as my doctor … God Bless

  55. Fay Davis Apr 23, 2020 at 9:54 pm

    Family you have my condolences,

  56. Deborah Reilly Apr 23, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    Deb Reilly RN He was always kind. RIP

  57. Frank Sindoni, MD Apr 24, 2020 at 9:10 am

    My condolences to the Pagnani family. Alex was a great guy. I always enjoyed our mailroom chats at Shore.

  58. Vittoria Apr 24, 2020 at 9:33 am

    So very sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of knowing dr. Pagnani as patient and knew him through his work in the OR. He was a kind smart man! He will be missed!

  59. Beth Cornman Apr 24, 2020 at 9:49 am

    My Deepest Sympathy goes out to you and your family.
    Dr Pagnani was a great doctor as I worked with him at SMH and his private office. He truly cared for his Patient’s .
    Fond memories of all of us playing Softball many years ago ! He will be missed ❤️

  60. louis a schott Apr 24, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I WAS A PATIENT OF DR PAGNANI FOR MANY YEARS IN SOMERS POINT. HE WAS MY FAVORITE DOCTOR OF ALL TIME. HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. A GREAT DOCTOR . A WONDERFUL FAMILY MAN. MOST COMPASSIONATE. HE LEFT THIS EARTH TOO SOON.. DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY

  61. Abdul Qadir MD Apr 24, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    So sorry to hear the loss. Truly a wonderful man. I always enjoyed working with him as an Anesthsiologist. I cherish many stories/life events/ jokes he talked about in the OR. He will be truly missed.

  62. Stephanie Mikus Apr 24, 2020 at 4:31 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. It was truly a pleasure to have work with him at Jersey Shore Ambulatory Surgery Center. He was such a kind and caring gentleman. I loved to hear his stories.

  63. Nancy blumberg Apr 25, 2020 at 12:02 am

    Worked with dr Alex for long time he was nice man he took to an eagles game so fun met his sons at the game they so sweet so sorry for your loss

  64. Diana Stover-Sowerby Apr 25, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I was so sorry to learn of Dr. Pagnani’s passing. I will always remember Dr. Pagnani as being a very dedicated physician who wanted only the best for his patients. I was the Vice President of Patient Services and later Clinical Services for almost 20 years at Cape Regional Medical Center and Dr. Pagnani was always very professional and principled about issues or concerns he had regarding patient care and services. I also recall how often he spoke about his family and how proud he was of his children’s accomplishments. I hope the memories you have and the outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and patients give you with comfort.

  65. Nick & Cindy R Apr 26, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    Patty, we cannot even begin to understand the great loss of such a wonderful husband and father. We have many wonderful memories of Alex. Our heartfelt prayers go out to you, the boys, and family. May his soul rest in peace, with Jesus and Mary by his side, guiding him to the gates of heaven. We offer you and your family our condolences and prayers in this sorrowful time of your life. May Our Lord, Jesus Christ who loves you deeply restore your spirits, give you peace, and strengthen you. With Love, Nick and Cindy R.

  66. Karen Padmore Apr 26, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    So sad to hear this news. He performed surgery on my son ( 32 years ago) when he was 5. He was ever so gentle & lovely w a small child & us parents freaking out. Bless you all.

  67. Richard Moscioni May 6, 2020 at 8:51 am

    Alex’s mom and my mom met in 1949 and introduced us to each other at age 1 month. Alex and I were connected at the hip from that time to now 71 years later. We were brothers never doubting we had each other’s back no matter what life was dealing at the time. I could write so so much, but one need only read the outpouring of love and admiration from his friends, patients and associates contributed in this guestbook. I feel an immeasurable void no longer being able to pick up the phone on any day and ask Alex for advice, update about our families, complain, laugh, talk Giants/Eagles and just rag about the latest current affairs of our world. I am so fortunate to have this rare treasure of a life long friendship and so fortunate to have so many memories to last me another lifetime of a great kid I loved so much as my very best friend, Alex.

  68. Robert Borden May 22, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    So sorry for your sudden loss. Alex was fortunate to have such a wonderful family.

  69. Carrie Bligh May 23, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    I worked at the villa complex on St John where your family has a home. He would sit in the office with me for hours telling me amazing stories from his life, about his boys and family. I just heard he passed….my condolences to the family. Our talks were always one of the things I missed about St John.

  70. Patricia Pagnani May 28, 2020 at 9:52 pm

    To my forever love:
    Dear Michael, Sally, Nik, Raj, Tony, Rich, Rick , Gene, Joanne, Deb, Rob, Maryann, Joe, Jacque and Bob, Joann, John, many of Alex’s great patients, Hospital Staffs, and All of our friends too numerous to mention: You among many others brought tremendous happiness and love to Alex’s life. His life was full in every way; Blessed. Alex and I were very happily married for over forty wonderful years, which flew by much too quickly.
    Put together in love by our Lord, we shared a deep love for one another. We were blessed with 3 sons- Alex,PhD., Christopher,M.D., and
    Sean M..
    Our love was enriched when Sean married Curtis Grezenski – a wonderful, very much loved and respected young man. Curtis has become our “4th”, son, loved as deeply as we love our other sons. Sean’s dear husband’s friendship and love mean so much to our family. Our eldest son, Alex R married a terrific, kind, beautiful and very special woman- Luisa Abellan. They have blessed us with our three adorable grandchildren; Leonardo (7), Alessandra (4), and Gianna Grace(1).
    Our middle son Christopher lives and practices his Psychiatric Medical Practice in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. Christopher and all of our loved children and grandchildren have and will always bring us pure joy.
    Thank you dear Lord for my loving Husband , our Dad, and our “PopPop” of our Grandchildren who brought us laughter and such fun times.
    Thank you all dear friends and family from the depths of our 💕❤️😊hearts.
    God has Blessed us. We know that for sure; we feel it in our hearts.
    Patti and Family 🙏💝

  71. James Dwyer Oct 28, 2020 at 11:34 am

    We are all on this Earth with the most important mission which is to ‘Love and Serve’ and Alex did this better than anyone ! He went ‘instantly’ home to be with Our Lord and Savior ; the natural habitat for Alex ! He was a friend to all ! Peace and Love, Jim Dwyer !

  72. Robin Dopson Jul 11, 2021 at 3:53 pm

    So sorry to learn of Alex’s passing. He was a childhood friend from Trenton, NJ and unforgettable for his warmth and genuine personality. I’m comforted to know that he had such an amazing career in adulthood and so many loving friends and family. Rest in peace friend.

  73. barbara M. Jul 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

    I found out about Dr. Pagnini’s passing just recently. I met him several times and was so impressed with him as a person, he was kind, gentle and friendly. As a dr. he was the best and knew exactly the treatment I needed.

    God bless him and his wonderful family.

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