Cecilia Lena Paolello

Cecilia Lena Paolello, age 93 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. 

Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Cecilia was the third of four children to Giuseppe and Cecilia Zinno. Her early years were shaped by both promise and profound loss. A talented artist, she attended Catholic school before earning her place at The Arts High School of Newark through her artistic abilities, an achievement that Cecilia was very proud of. However, tragedy struck her family when her older brother died in World War II while she was just 14 years old. Only four years later, at 18, Cecilia lost her mother, leaving her to navigate young adulthood without them. 

Rather than be broken by these early losses, Cecilia demonstrated the resilience that would define her character throughout her life. She entered the workforce straight from high school, starting in an entry-level position and steadily climbing through determination and exceptional work ethic. Her integrity and competence earned her promotions typically reserved for college graduates, eventually reaching the role of Personnel Manager. She began her career at Kleen-Stik Products in Newark before joining The B. Manischewitz Company in 1970, where she remained for the final 27 years of her professional life until her retirement in 1997. 

Cecilia's personal life was marked by love found twice. Her first marriage to Frank Tobias lasted ten years before they divorced having grown apart over time. Later she found lasting love with Alphonse Paolello, Jr., whom she married and remained devoted to for the rest of her life. 

Those who knew Cecilia will remember her for her incredible Sunday Italian dinners featuring homemade gravy, meatballs, braciole, and eggplant parmesan. When she wasn’t cooking for others, she could be found enjoying her favorite classic movies, especially “Casablanca” and “Gone with the Wind” her all-time favorite movie. 

Above all, Cecilia will be remembered as a loving and caring soul who doted on everyone around her. She was selfless to a fault, a tireless worker, and endlessly kind. She was a person of unwavering trustworthiness who touched the lives of all who were lucky enough to get to know her. 

Cecilia is survived by her husband Alphonse Paolello, Jr.; her son Frank J. Tobias; her grandchildren: Frank D. Tobias and Sara K. Linder; her great grandson William Linder; her niece Donna Gardinier; her grandnephew and niece Jonathan Curtis and Alison Curtis. 

Cecilia is predeceased by her parents Giuseppe and Cecilia Zinno; her siblings: Frank Zinno, Catherine Pruski, and Joseph R. Zinno; her niece Patricia Curtis.