Victor R PANGALLO

14 JAN 1931 - 14 JAN 2016

• BIRTH: 14 JAN 1931, Massena, St Lawrence, New York, USA
• DEATH: 14 JAN 2016, South Bend, IN

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[N13978] Victor R. Pangallo
Jan. 14, 1931 - Jan. 14, 2016
SOUTH BEND - Victor R. Pangallo passed away peacefully on his 85th birthday, Jan. 14, 2016. He was born Jan. 14, 1931, in Massena, NY, to the late Francenco and Victoria (Mittiga) Pangallo. A brother, Joseph S. Pangallo, also preceded him in death. Because of his parents' health issues and difficulty surviving as Italian immigrants during challenging times, Victor and his brother spent many years of their childhood in orphanages. Victor claimed that reading saved his life, when at a low point while sitting on a street curb, a dime novel blew by him in the wind. He picked it up, and reading it led to his lifelong love of reading, particularly non-fiction. He also formed a passion for dancing and music, gaining the reputation of dancing like a professional. His harmonica also had a sweet sound. Victor enjoyed telling the humorous account of his short stint in the Navy when he got deathly seasick on the ferryboat ride out to his assigned ship. After months of recovery, he was discharged, and later enlisted in the Army to serve in Korea during the Korean War. After, it is reported that Victor, though remaining single most of his life, married the same lovely lady two times. He was a hard worker who eventually retired from the Bendix Corporation and later was employed part-time at the University of Notre Dame. His solutions to practical problems were uniquely inventive. Vic had a strong personality that was never boring, always entertaining others with his wit and humor in his interpretations of life. Victor is survived by his sister-in-law, Maria Pangallo of Mishawaka; a niece and nephew; and cousin, Don Marando, who was a constant in his life as a lifelong friend who loved him along with all of his idiosyncrasies. At the end, Victor needed an advocate to handle his affairs, and it was in the generous heart of his business associate and friend, Suzanne Ellis, that he found resolve and consolation. Without Victor, certainly life will be a bit less humorous and entertaining for his former colleagues, dance partners, and friends, his “buddies” as he frequently referred to them. Cremation will take place with no services, per Victor's request. To send condolences, please visit www.McGannHay.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 24, 2016