William J Pagliaro

William “Bill” J. Pagliaro, age 85, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin passed away on September 16, 2025.

He was born on August 5, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Jack and Helen (Cirese) Pagliaro. The family

moved to Williams Bay, Wisconsin in 1952. Bill graduated from Williams Bay High School in 1958

and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1964.

Before beginning his professional teaching career, Bill worked at a variety of jobs, including his

family’s Venetian blind business in Williams Bay, Admiral Corporation in Harvard, Illinois, and Lake

Lawn Lodge in Delavan, Wisconsin. In 1965 he began teaching social studies at Badger High School in

Lake Geneva, where he would remain until his retirement in 1997. Bill was not only a dedicated

teacher but also the first swim coach at Badger. He went on to coach the summer swim program and

referee countless swim meets, building a legacy in the local swimming community.

Bill carried with him a lighthearted spirit that touched all who knew him, and he was known for his

warm, friendly nature. In his younger years, he spent many summers with his family at Lake

Wandawega. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, cheering on the Packers, and sharing time with family and

friends. He especially treasured moments with his grandchildren.

Bill loved the tradition of the Wisconsin fish fry, breakfasts with family, friends, and former

colleagues, and his many hunting and fishing excursions throughout Wisconsin. Among his fondest

memories were annual waterfowl hunting trips to North Dakota with family, as well as earlier hunting

adventures in Crandon, Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diane Pagliaro; his daughters, Natalie (Craig) Caldwell and

Nicole Pagliaro; his sons, Chris Pagliaro and Matt (Jean) Pagliaro; his grandchildren, Logan and Lydia

Pagliaro; his step-granddaughter, Alissa (Jacob) Fairbanks; his brother, Bob (Sharon) Pagliaro; and

many other beloved family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tom Pagliaro and infant Thomas Pagliaro; and

his daughter, Heather Pagliaro.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family and education, his love for the outdoors, his

sense of humor, and the countless lives he touched through his teaching, coaching, and friendship.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on September 30, 2025 at Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes

in Lake Geneva, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will

immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. A luncheon will follow all services at First Evangelical

Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Badger High School Endowment

Fund: https://badger.lakegenevaschools.com/get-involved/badger-endowment-fund