Joseph M. Paoletti, Jr.

Joseph Mario Paoletti Jr., 81, of Binghamton, NY died peacefully at home on May 27, 2023 as he was watching his final New York Yankees baseball game. He was born on June 17, 1941, a son of the late Joseph Mario and Caroline (Ruspantini) Paoletti.  He graduated from Binghamton North High School and began working for IBM initially as a tool and die maker, then earning a Bachelor of Science degree as a Mechanical Engineer and eventually retiring as a senior engineer after 33 years of continuous, uninterrupted service. Joe was personally instrumental in the development of scientific advances which were subsequently patented by IBM, and actively utilized by the Department of Defense in providing critically important national security in the service of the United States and its allies. He was especially proud of the award recognition that he received for perfect attendance during his tenure at IBM that reflected his professional commitment and demonstrated his personal legacy of a strong work ethic which he instilled within his family.  He also excelled at selling within the Amway system, achieving a Pearl Level distributorship.  Always being ambitious and supportive of improvement, Joe was also proud of the change he helped implement with the genesis of the ‘Among Friends’ program. 

He was also an accomplished outdoorsman and conservationist which later following his retirement led him to become a forester actively working with numerous local lumber companies.  Joe was an avid sports enthusiast and he enjoyed watching UConn Girls basketball and NY Yankees baseball. However, it was the sport of baseball that captured him as a lifelong fan and he cherished mentoring young children of all ages about the game. He volunteered unselfishly as a Little League coach and as a coach at SUNY Broome. He eventually went on to sponsor his own local baseball team. He also enjoyed bowling, having achieved success in local leagues and then sharing his passion for the sport with his entire family.

He married Mary Louise Cimini, daughter of Albert (Red) and Pauline (Masciarelli) Cimini on July 4, 1964 in an arranged Italian marriage in Binghamton, NY. Mary Lou was not only his life partner; they also became business partners working together in Amway and later when he provided continued support of her business venture as a co-owner of The Jewelry Shop in Endicott, NY.  Joe consistently maintained the biggest success of their marriage was their three incredible children; Joseph Mario III (Matthew), Steven Albert (Karla) and Kimberly Ann (Mark) Kittinger. In addition to mentoring and helping each as a parent/life coach when they were young, he instilled in their children a strong entrepreneurial spirit which has led each of them all to be successful within their respective professional endeavors. 

He placed significant value on the institution of family and so hosted many family reunions at Blueberry Ranch Lake for all summer holidays. The family events were always highlighted by spirited fishing contests, endless feasting, and dramatic fireworks displays. He also valued spending quality time with his family, especially enjoying their competitive and often extended canasta games. Joe established, and consistently reinforced, a personal mantra for the family which was; “All for one, and one for all’.      

He is predeceased by his parents and sisters Dianne Stevens (Bill) and Judy Hayes (John), and brother-in-law Ben Hogan. He is survived by his three loving children, his children’s mother Mary Louise, his sister Mary Hogan and brother Robert (Jody) Paoletti. He and sister Mary celebrated, and commiserated, about their beloved Yankees each year and all season long. He will also be fondly remembered by numerous life-long friends; especially Doug Chrzanowski, Susan Secky, Tom Secky, Ed Slick and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he always thought to remember during holidays and on their individual birthdays.  The family would also like to thank Andrew Eggleston and Marty DiPietro for their sincere kindness and compassion and assistance which they have provided to the family.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Danielle House at https://daniellehouse.org.   Please remember Joe as the great husband, father, friend and American patriot he exemplified. 

Calling hours are from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday at THOMAS J. SHEA FUNERAL HOME, INC.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from The Parish of Saints John and Andrew Catholic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph M. Paoletti, Jr., please visit our floral store.