Korean War Veteran Thomas Antonio Pagliarini of Johnston Dies at 95
Friday, November 24, 2023
Thomas Antonio Pagliarini, 95, of Johnston, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. He was the son of the late Alessandro and Teresa (Palazzo) Pagliarini. He was the beloved husband of 64 years to his adored wife, the late Grace (Urso) Pagliarini. He was the brother of the late Mario Pagliarini, Livia Giovannucci, John Pagliarini and Mary Thornton. Thomas attended the Cranston schools and worked with his father after school hours and during summer vacations. After graduation he joined his father’s business, Central Nurseries, Inc. in Johnston, on a full-time basis.
A veteran of the Korean War, Thomas entered the service on August 8, 1950, and served with Rhode Island-based 445th Ordinance Ammunition School. He graduated with a gold seal from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Ammunition School. Upon his return to his company, Tom was selected as the most outstanding soldier in Fort Meade, Maryland and he was then assigned as a temporary aide to Generals Van Fleet and Clift Andrews. Thomas later returned to his company and was ordered to Korea. Due to his knowledge of ammunition and experience supervising men, he was transferred to the 930th Ordinance Ammunition Company where he supervised night operations at the railhead and spurs in Haeunde, Korea. Haeunde was the largest ammunition supply point in the Far East Command. Tom was released from active duty on June 25, 1952 and honorably discharged in August, 1953. He rejoined his father at Central Nurseries, Inc. as its Vice-President. In 1980, Tom assumed the Presidency of Central Nurseries, Inc. and saw it diversify with the addition of Central Landscape Construction, and Ramot Realty Associates. He was a registered Arborist and a licensed Landscape Architect. He served as a member on the R.I. Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects from 1977 - 1987 and served as its chairman for two years. From 1983-1986, Tom served on the Expert’s Panel of the Council of Landscape Architects Registration Board which was responsible for formulating and administering the Unified National Exam. He served as the Johnston Tree Warden for many years. He held the position of its Ethics Committee Chairman.
Tom was the Lt. Governor of the American Association of Nurserymen from 1989 -1993 and served as its Governor. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers since 1959. Tom also lectured at the University of R. I. Department of Plant and Soil Sciences since 1976. He also lectured at the R.I School of Design, R.I Chapter of the Construction Specification Institute, R.I Tree Warden Association and the R.I Department of Transportation Roadway Design Division. In 1991, he was selected as one of the most outstanding entrepreneurs of Rhode Island by the Providence Journal, Ernst & Young and Inc. Magazine. In 1987, he was recognized for Outstanding Achievement by an American of Italian lineage by The Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Rhode Island. Also cognizant of his civic responsibilities, Tom was a past President of the Johnston Lions Club and also presided as its State Night Chairman and Membership Development Chairman for the 42nd District. For two years, he served as Area Chairman for the Woonasquatucket Unit of the American Cancer Society, then as its President from 1971-1972. Tom shared chairmanship with The Honorable Justice Robert K. Pirraglia over the Johnston Bicentennial Committee. He served on the town of Johnston Water Task Force and was appointed to the Town of Johnston Landfill Advisory Committee by Mayor Ralph R. aRusso. He served as the Johnston campaign coordinator for Governor J. Joseph Garrahy from 1976-1985. Tom also served on many fundraisers for the American Heart Association. In 1998,
Tom designed the Korean War Monument and Memorial, which is located in Providence. Tom was a member of the Advisory Board of the Big Brothers of America, the R.I Tree Warden Association and the American Legion Post 92. He held a lifetime membership to the Fraternal Order of the State Police Association, Lodge #25. He was a founder and past president of the Loggia Pontecorvo #2530 Order of Sons of Italy in America. Tom was a member of The American Legion for 60 years and was honored with a Certificate of Continuous Membership this month. Tom was the founder and developer of Val-Gioia Properties, LLC, a real estate holding company for commercial buildings, built on the site of the old Morgan Mills in Johnston.
He leaves his beloved daughter, Laurie Pagliarini, and his two loved and adored grandchildren, Gioia Tuozzolo, her husband, Eric Vega and Valentina Tuozzolo. His funeral will be held Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. from “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, Johnston. VISITATION Monday 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers. Please share memories and condolences at www.Woodlawnri.com
