Nicholas "Nick" Pagoria

Nicholas “Nick” Pagoria, 85, passed away peacefully at 3:25 p.m. on December 14, 2025 in his home, surrounded by family.

Nick was born on April 10, 1940, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Philip and Jennie (Corso) Pagoria. On May 12, 1973, he married the love of his life, Patricia A. Pagoria (Soboleski). They shared 50 wonderful years of marriage until Pat’s passing on June 9, 2023.

Nick is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Tony) Yaniz, and his beloved grandchildren, Analia and Tony Yaniz. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (late Juli) Pagoria; sisters-in-law, Dolores (Don) Chapman and Julie (Vic) Victa; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents, Philip and Jennie Pagoria; his parents-in-law, Julius, Anna, and Clara Soboleski; his sister, Concetta Guagenti; brothers-in-law, Joe Guagenti and Rich Soboleski; sisters-in-law, Juli Pagoria and Judith Soboleski; and his nephew, Phil Guagenti.

Nick grew up in Chicago Heights alongside his cousins and lifelong friends, creating memories filled with laughter and adventure—whether grabbing his father’s hat and taking the car for a spin at age ten or enjoying large Sunday family picnics, complete with loads of sauce and pasta. In his early teens, Nick began working on the loading docks for his father’s trucking company, Pagoria Express, laying the foundation for his lifelong career.

He attended St. Agnes School, graduated from Bloom High School, and earned his degree from the University of Dayton in Ohio. During his college years, his sister’s home in Lima, Ohio became a second home. After graduation, Nick returned to Chicago Heights, where he built an exceptionally successful and well-respected career in the transportation industry, most notably with National Piggyback Services and APL, and later with NPN Logistics—a company named in honor of himself, his wife, and his daughter.

In early 1972, while out with friends in downtown Chicago, Nick stepped into The Lodge on Division Street. That night, after seeing Pat for the first time, he told his friend he was going to marry her—and just over a year later, he did. Like any strong partnership, their marriage had its ups and downs, but their love was deep and enduring. Pat’s passing was especially difficult for Nick, who devoted himself wholeheartedly to caring for her until the very end.

Together, they raised their daughter, Nicole, who was the center of their universe. Nick and Pat instilled in her a strong work ethic, street smarts, realism, and a generous, thoughtful approach to life—values Nicole cherishes deeply and continues to pass on to her own children.

Nick loved being on a boat on Lake Michigan and fondly reminisce about childhood summer trips to Mackinac Island. He enjoyed visiting the parks in Arizona with his brother, and trips to Lake Geneva with his grandchildren. Nothing could get him on the dance floor faster than Saturday Night Fever or Motown. He was a die-hard Cubs fan, and he also loved football—especially when the Bears were playing.

Though quieter in his later years, Nick deeply valued every person he encountered and treasured reconnecting with old friends. One of the greatest joys of his final year was a surprise 85th birthday celebration—a day he cherished beyond words. Whether sitting in his favorite chair watching old westerns, or eating out at one of his preferred restaurants, La Dolce Vita, with his daughter's family, Nick had a powerful stoicism about him. But he was also never afraid to tell it like he saw it.

Family and friends will be received at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, Illinois 60423, on Friday, January 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 19515 115th Ave, Mokena, Illinois 60448, on Saturday, January 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment for both Nick and Pat Pagoria will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 11046 St. Marys Road, in Mokena, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://donorservices.alz.org/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/.