Paul Anthony “Mac” Maccagnano made a big impact on his community and his family. After serving the City of Ventnor as a city commissioner for two terms from 1988-1992, and 1996-2000, Maccagnano continued to give great haircuts, including to his daughter Beth, who followed in his footsteps as a public servant and served as the city’s mayor for seven years.
Upon her swearing-in to the Ventnor City Board of Commissioners in May 2016, Holtzman said her father was her biggest supporter and encouraged her to public service. Paul Maccagnano attended commission meetings on occasion to watch his daughter serve her community. He always sat in the front row, nodding and offering encouragement with his smile and sparkling blue eyes.
From left, Paul A. Maccagnano and his wife Mary look on as their daughter Beth Holtzman takes the oath of office as city commissioner in Ventnor.Obituary
Paul Anthony “Mac” Maccagnano, 90, a longtime resident of Ventnor, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Dec. 16, 2024.
Maccagnano was born in Atlantic City on Feb. 1, 1934, to the late Lorenzo and Carmela Maccagnano. He was a graduate of Atlantic City High School after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army, became a paratrooper and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he embarked on a career as a beautician and was the owner/operator of Todd’D Paul’s Hair Salon in Ventnor for more than 54 years.
Maccagnano proudly served as a city commissioner for eight years from 1988 to 1992 and 1996 to 2000.
Maccagnano loved the sport of ice hockey. Along with lifelong friends Pete Sallata and Don Pitale, he co-founded Shore Hockey School, where they taught hockey fundamentals for more than 30 years. He was also co-founder of the Old Men’s Hockey League where he continued to play well into his 70s. He patented Mac’s Hockey Tape for use on the blade of a hockey stick, which was first used in an NHL game by Tommy Albelin of the NJ Devils on March 27, 1995.
Without doubt, falling just short of his 91st birthday is attributable to his active lifestyle. He had a physical conditioning regiment that included weightlifting and running, which he maintained throughout his life. Maccagnano also loved being on the water and was an avid fisherman. He led a full and interesting life with many accomplishments, but his greatest source of pride and joy came from his four daughters.
He was predeceased by Mary, his wife of 65 years, and is survived by his daughters Maria Hogan (Jim), Beth Maccagnano-Holtzman (Jason Dorn), Paula Nouragas (Euripides) and Lori Averso (Jim); as well as his beloved grandchildren Jim (Katrina), Meghan (Sean), Paula (DJ), Zachary, Rachel (Ryan), Andronikos, Paul, Alexander and Porter; and great grandchildren Enzo, Olivia and Emilia. He was predeceased by his sisters Debbie Phillips and Mamie Pantalena.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Meadowview Nursing Home for the excellent care he received while there.
A visitation will be held 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 20 followed by a memorial Mass at St. James Catholic Church, 6415 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s Wing, Meadowview Nursing Home, 235 Dolphin Ave., Northfield, NJ 08225.
