Samuel J. Paoletti

Born: 6/24/1921 Died: 7/24/2012 Mr. Samuel J. Paoletti, age 91, of New Castle, DE, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. A native Delawarean, Mr. Paoletti was born in Wilmington on June 24, 1921, son of the late Ferdinando Paoletti and Mary Rossi Paoletti. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the US Army during World War II, and, in civilian life, made his career as a skilled master welder for 38 years with Delmarva Power & Light. From his youth, Mr. Paoletti was a devout Catholic. His deep, abiding faith in a loving Savior defined his life and he happily and reverently attended daily Mass (sometimes twice a day!) for many years. He was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Church, where he took great pleasure in assisting his fellow parishioners as an usher during Sunday liturgy. Active in his community, he was also a member of Joseph B. Stahl Post #30 American Legion in New Castle. In his leisure hours, Mr. Paoletti looked forward to going to Delaware Park, as well as cheering each season for his favorite teams, the Eagles and the Phillies. He particularly enjoyed sampling all sorts of fine food; whether it was a lovingly home-cooked supper or a special dinner out, he always savored an excellent meal. Above all else, Mr. Paoletti was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who took great pride in his family. He delighted in traditional family holidays and was at his happiest when surrounded by all three generations of the Paoletti clan. He quite simply adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren (and they him); stories of their every success–athletic, academic, or otherwise–were a constant source of joy to him. A charming family patriarch and a true gentleman, Mr. Paoletti will be long remembered by family and friends alike for his inspiring and vigorous lifestyle, his youthful spirit, and his kind and compassionate nature. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Emma M. DiBuo Paoletti; daughters, Patricia Tuthill and husband Donald of Middletown and Toni Paoletti-Downes and husband Bill of Townsend; granddaughters, Jennifer Reed and husband Bryan of Middletown, Kelly Vegeto of Middletown, and Nicole Eckeard and husband John of Felton; great grandchildren, Jared and Brianna Reed, Emma and Anthony Vegeto, Alana Corrigan, and Braden and Cole Eckeard; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers and his sister. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 11:45 am on Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 pm at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, Garfield Park, New Castle. Entombment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Paoletti may be made to Holy Spirit R.C. Church, 12 Winder Road, New Castle, DE 19720.