We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our long-time members. We mourn the loss of Mike Pagano, ABM GeoConstructors. The following is provided by Pam Pagano via Jim Close.
Mike Pagano July 29, 1953 – October 10, 2020
It is with a heart filled with overwhelming sadness that I report the passing of our business associate and my friend, Michael A Pagano. Our beloved Michael was in an accident while mountain biking On Saturday, October 10. Always the hero, he was trying to rescue his pup, Tonj who had waded into a diversion channel and was then swept into faster moving water through a wooden flume. Michael ran alongside the flume and then on top of it until it gave way to a tunnel. What happened here is unknown but, unfortunately, Michael did not make it. Tonj survived and came out 1 mile downstream where the flume gave way to open channel flow. Michael was doing one of the things he loved the most with some of his dear friends. He died as he lived; full of life, adventure and compassion.
Michael, up until October 2018, had been President & CEO of AVAR Construction Inc (now DrillTech). After AVAR Michael went to ABM GeoConstructors, Inc. in Oakland, CA where he was President until his departure in September of this year. After leaving ABM he was very excited to be starting a venture with American Drilling, developing new business around their innovative soil mixing technology for deep excavation shoring.
Meeting Mike around 2001, our families became instantly connected. Michael leaves behind his wife Pamela, two daughters Sara & Caryn, a son in-law Michael Fong, and three grandchildren, Layla, Bradon, and Taytum. He put his family before all else and would do anything for them.
As fine a businessman as Mike was, he was an equally talented skier and mountain biker. Fearless at both endeavors all I could ever do was follow his tracks. We shared some of the most amazing adventures, for which I am eternally grateful. Michael’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to this charity that supports and encourages young kids to learn to ski and mountain bike: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honor-of-michael-pagano…
Sal P. Italiano, PE
SPI Consulting Engineers, Inc