U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Lester Amos Pagano
1983
Lester Amos Pagano served the U.S. Marine Corps for 2 years. Lester served in the Korean War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Lieutenant Lester Pagano was killed in an automobile crash on I-80 and Main Street in Wharton. Lieutenant Pagano was assigned to a detail investigating the murder of Trooper Philip Lamonaco, who was shot and killed on December 21, 1981. He was returning from following up on leads when his vehicle slid on the rain-slick road and crashed through a guardrail. Lieutenant Pagano was shot in the spine in the line of duty while apprehending a murder suspect in 1959. Lieutenant Pagano had served with the New Jersey State Police for over 30 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons. His two brothers also served with the New Jersey State Police, with one serving as the Superintendent.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
1950 – 1952
Conflicts
Korean War
Cold War
Also Served
New Jersey State Police
Lieutenant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn7gsbnqrn9ra927sfy2
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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