René Pagoaga, Honduran Native and Longtime Concord Resident, Dies at 96
René Pagoaga, a longtime resident of Concord, Massachusetts, and formerly of West Concord, Maynard, and Acton, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 96, following a full life dedicated to family and community.
Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on December 12, 1928, Pagoaga arrived in the United States after a career that began with roots in his homeland’s military traditions – his father was a Colonel in the Honduran Army. He and his wife, Tina, settled in Concord after initially living in Miami, building a life centered around their children and grandchildren. He became a U.S. citizen in 1988 alongside his wife, a moment he considered one of the happiest days of his life, and proudly identified as “Catracho,” a term of endearment for Hondurans. Pagoaga’s passing marks the end of an era for a family deeply interwoven with the fabric of the Concord community.
Throughout his career, Pagoaga worked at Emerson Hospital, Lund Products & Dovre Ski Binding, Digital Equipment Corporation, and General Radio, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a commitment to providing for his family. He later enjoyed part-time roles at the Thoreau Club and the Bedford VA Hospital, where he earned multiple employee of the month awards. A devoted sports fan, Pagoaga was a lifelong supporter of the Boston Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins, and enjoyed classic films like Some Like It Hot and The Wizard of Oz. He also held a deep appreciation for music, from Bobby Darin to Vicente Fernandez. His family remembers his meticulous attention to detail and his devout Catholic faith, particularly his reverence for the Virgin De Guadalupe. Those wishing to honor his memory can contribute to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a cause he supported through his daughter and son-in-law’s fundraising efforts in honor of his late wife, Tina, who passed away from Leukemia in 2016.
Pagoaga is survived by his daughter, Mireya “Maya” Pagoaga Berlied, and son-in-law Paul Berlied of Concord; his daughter Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson and her husband Jeff of Boxborough; and his son René G. “Tito” Pagoaga Jr. and his wife Sandra of Clinton, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private funeral services will be held at the Dee Funeral Home in Concord, with a celebration of life planned for the spring.
