James Fagnano

JAMES FRANCIS FAGNANO Son of Margaret V. (Luarde) Fagnano Marchionte and James V. Fagnano, and step-son of Daniel M. Marchionte January 7, 1932 – March 15, 2018 “Let me die to the sounds of delicious music.” ~ Niles McKinley High School Year Book A mere thirty five days after losing his love of seventy one years, Jim lifted the veil to reunite with his beloved bride, Patricia Ann Dunn Fagnano. Jim’s life may be summed up in the words passion and dedication. This is what gave him the motivation and strength to hold on to physical life to care for Patricia, in spite of a medical condition that should have taken his life years ago. This passion and dedication revealed itself early in life, upon the passing of his father. Jim was only twelve years old when his dad died suddenly and unexpectedly at work. Already a drummer, he began playing at area nightclubs to earn money to help support his mother and younger sister, Judy. This was when his passion for music intensified, all under the watchful and fatherly eyes of the men with whom he played. Jim honored his country in dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, on a mine sweeper during the Korean War. Even then, his passion remained with Patricia, as he (hush, now) occasionally left his mileage restrictions while on a pass, to sneak away to spend time with her. Though he was ardent about rules in life, he knew when bending them was for the greater good. As a devoted Ohio State Buckeye alumnus, “Go Bucks!” had become a love-filled hello and goodbye for Jim. It was during his OSU tenure that his dedication to family and his call to teach was made evident. Even though he majored in music education at a university fanatical about THE Ohio State Marching Band, and although he had the opportunity to become a professional drummer, he chose family and his heart for teaching over fun and fame. Jim validated and strengthened the minds of the young people to which he was called to be teacher and mentor. His students made sure his favorite quote, “Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm,” graced the walls of the Poland High School band room. Students have kept in touch with him over the course of decades, and did not wait until his death to let him know how much they loved him, and how “instrumental” he was in molding their lives. “But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul. My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. Im just a living legacy to the leader of the band.” ~ Dan Fogelberg’s, Leader of the Band Jim’s fervent love and teacher’s heart were intertwined. His grandchildren richly experienced this. And though they thought they would never be able to live life fully without him, they will. He passed down strengths that will remain with them the rest of their lives. Jim’s unwavering love was met with unwavering love by his family, both immediate and extended. He was surrounded by that love as he passed into the eternal love of God. Perhaps this would be an appropriate place to end this obituary. Instead, we’re sure it would please Jim to have the last word one last time. He speaks of his own love, life, and faith, in this poem he wrote to Patricia a number of years ago. GOD CREATED ALL THINGS by James F. Fagnano He created all that we are, and are not aware of. And so that we might “know,” he created all things in opposite, and extremes. He created joy. The unbounded joy in everything that is good and beautiful. And sorrow. The unending sorrow of man’s inhumanity to man. He created heat So searing, it turns all it touches into itself. And cold So penetrating, it can suspend the very essence of life. He created the winds With power enough to destroy anything man erects. And calm So still, even the spider’s web is unmoved. He created love So full and without reservation, that he gave us his son. And hate So destructive, it renders us incapable of love and joy. And he created you. You are joy. The joy that brought balance to the sorrows of life. You are love. The love that reproduced itself in two beautiful children. You are warmth. The warmth in a world that often seems cold and uncaring. You have been like a cool breeze, blowing gently through my life. And like God, Who created all things, I, too, will love you Forever. © James F. Fagnano A Celebration of Life was held March 17 to honor Patricia and James together. A short-but-meaningful service was led by Pastor Peg (their firstborn daughter), followed by the delicious music of The Cake Walkin’ Jass Band. Absolute perfection. A military burial is planned for September. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, (alz.org), Hospice of Northwest Ohio (https://www.hospicenwo.org/landing-pages/main/giving/), or Zion United Church of Christ (211 S. St. Peter St., South Bend, IN 46617). Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.