Joan R. Paonessa

Loving Aunt, Adoring Great Aunt and Loyal Friend

Joan R. Paonessa, 87, of Waterbury, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, December 19, 2022. Joan was born on March 10, 1935 in Waterbury to the late Rita A. (Heon) and Louis Paonessa. She attended Hopeville Grammar School and was in the Wilby High School graduating class of 1952. Joan had a very special group of friends from school who enjoyed many reunions together over the years.

Joan worked as an office manager at Multi Metal Manufacturing in Naugatuck for 29 years. In 2016 when the business closed, Joan found herself reluctantly retiring at the age of 82. She loved working and would have continued if the business hadn’t closed its doors.

Joan was a lifelong NY Yankees fan who had the great pleasure of meeting and talking to Micky Mantle in 1981 as well as Bucky Dent in 2007. She loved traveling (especially to Italy!) but most of all loved spending time with her great niece and nephews Megan, Ryan, and Evan.

Joan leaves behind her adored nieces and nephew: Lisa Charney of Tucson, AZ, Kimberly Holland of Prospect, and Michael Paonessa (Millie Esposito) of Wolcott; her great niece and nephews, who were the loves of her life: Megan Holland of Andover, NH, Ryan Holland of Clermont, FL, and Evan Charney of Wilton; as well as several cousins, especially Claudette Green of Thomaston, and all of her wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name to The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center (www.leevercancercenter.org) for breast cancer research.

A graveside service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 E Main St. in Waterbury. Prospect Memorial / The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Paonessa family. To share a fond memory, photo and words of comfort for Joan's family please visit her Tribute Wall on this website.

**Please note: Joan's graveside service will be held in the New Section at Calvary Cemetery (which is their smaller section across the street).  Her family plot information is: Section 43, Lot A-39. Please see Joan's Tribute Wall for a cemetery map for your reference.

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