Paul Simonetti

Paul Simonetti, age 94, of Haledon, passed peacefully at home on Friday, December 6, 2024.

He was born in Paterson to Anthony and Mary Simonetti. Paul was raised in Paterson and attended Paterson Vocational and Technical High School.

Paul worked at A&P grocery stores in Paterson, in the dye house industry for a few years, and then joined the United States Air Force. For the last fifteen years of his working life, he worked for the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission at the Wanaque Reservoir as a Maintenance and Construction Foreman. He officially retired in 1992.

In 1951, Paul joined the United States Air Force and was a Drill Instructor at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York. Paul was involved with sports of all kinds, including baseball, basketball, and softball, winning many base championships. He was Honorably Discharged from the Air Force on May 14, 1955, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. For his service he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Paul exemplified honor and integrity. He embodied kindness in every action, displaying a gentle demeanor alongside a remarkable strength and resilience. Paul’s capacity for forgiveness and generosity was boundless, often giving selflessly. His unwavering bravery and courage shone through even in the face of adversity, making him a true symbol of resilience. Despite a challenging medical history, Paul never uttered a word of complaint, facing his struggles with grace and determination.

Paul’s devout Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. His heart resonated with the teachings and values of the Catholic Church, guiding his actions and decisions. Paul found solace and strength in his devotion to the Sacred Heart, drawing comfort from its symbolism of love and compassion. Saint Anthony held a special place in his prayers, as he sought intercession and guidance in times of need. Paul’s spiritual connection to these revered figures shaped his character and inspired him to live a life guided by faith and compassion. Furthermore, Paul was a man of unparalleled fairness, common sense, and wisdom, and he was always there to guide and assist anyone who sought his help.

Paul’s life took a beautiful turn when he met the love of his life Anna Marie Farina. Ann saw Paul while he was working at the A&P on 21st Avenue in Paterson, and she thought he was the most handsome man she had ever seen. After a first date to a Paterson Crescents basketball game at the Paterson Armory, they soon fell in love. Ann would often go to the Sandy Hill Soccer Field in Paterson and watch Paul play soccer. Ann and Paul’s relationship stood the test of his being called to serve in the Air Force, and Paul proposed marriage to Ann while he was still in the service. Ann and Paul were married at St Anthony’s Church in Paterson on November 14, 1953. Paul was a devoted husband who stood by Ann unwaveringly, always ready to protect and support her. He had a natural instinct to be her shield and to help her stay focused and calm in challenging moments. Paul enjoyed the art of cooking and baking many things from scratch, including pasta and sauces. Paul and Ann have had a loving and devoted relationship of over seventy-one years.

Paul was a man who found joy in the simplicity of life’s pleasures, particularly his love for movies and television, travel, sports, and keeping up on the latest news to keep his mind sharp and engaged. Trips to the casinos and restaurants of Atlantic City were cherished moments for Paul and Ann. His quest for the perfect pizza and discovering charming Italian restaurants brought him joy, as did the simple pleasure of going out for breakfast.

In addition to being survived by Ann, Paul was the youngest of five children and was predeceased by his beloved brothers Emil Simonetti and Rudolph Simonetti and his beloved sisters Delma Cuccinello and Lena Martinelli. He loved and was loved by his very large extended family. Indeed, Paul dearly loved his many nieces and nephews, and he had a special place in his heart for his nephew Patrick Zaretski, niece Kathy Zaretski, and his great-niece Nicole Zaretski. Paul’s impact on everyone’s lives, friends and family, was profound, leaving a lasting legacy of love and fond memories that will be eternally remembered.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be greatly appreciated.