Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

CRANSTON -- The Rev. Thomas McGonigle told hundreds today at the funeral Mass for slain firefighter Lt. James A. Pagano that Pagano lived on, and in mysterious ways, would continue as a source of love and support for all who knew him for the rest of their lives.

People filled the pews. Firefighters lined the walls. And McGonigle, a Pagano family friend, gave the homily at the Church of St. Mark for Pagano, who the police say was shot and killed by a next-door neighbor in Cranston Sunday.

"In the mystery of our journey as human beings, both life and death are with us," McGonigle said.

He continued: "We did not choose the time and place when we came into this world and, in most cases, we do not choose the time and place in which we leave this world."

McGonigle said that "God knows how to bring good, even out of tragedy itself."

He added that Pagano was "a source of love, life and support for his family, his friend, his neighbors and the firefighters" with which he served.

Pagano "would have laid down his life for another," McGonigle said, "because he cherished life."

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Pagano funeral: One last trip through the neighborhood

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