Mario J. Paolilli, Jr., 69, a lifelong area resident, died on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Born in Poughkeepsie on September 10, 1942, he was the son of Mario J. and Josephine E. Mancuso Paolilli. In 1961, he graduated from Wappingers Central High School and enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served our country for four years as a Radarman Second Class Petty Officer. Mario was employed as a Second Level Engineering Manager for IBM, Poughkeepsie for 37 years until his retirement in 2002. During his years at IBM, he received many divisional awards and was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club. He was an active member of the Hopewell Reformed Church where he volunteered with the Community Maintenance Program and was a leader with the Grounds Crew. A master of all trades, he loved to help everyone and he also enjoyed cooking.
On November 27, 1991 at the Hopewell Reformed Church, Mario married Florence Creech. They had a deep love of each other that was recognized by all who knew them. In their retirement years, they enjoyed their travels throughout Europe. He is also survived by his children, Eric Paolilli and his wife Diane of LaGrange, Danielle Paolilli and Rich DeLea of Montvale, NJ, Courtney Simone and her husband, Eric of Wappingers Falls, Laurelle Griffin of Shokan, Jim Creech and his wife Eileen of Jersey City, NJ and Michael Creech and his wife, Stacy of Doylestown, PA; his grandchildren, Ryan Michael, Erin and Megan Paolilli, Julia and Sofia Simone, Megan and Alicia Griffin, Brendan, Terrence and Claire Creech, Colbe and Avery Creech.; his great-grandson, James Griffin; his sister, SueAnn Hengelhaupt and her husband, Andy of Wappingers Falls; his former wife, Jacquelynne Paolilli; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Marco Paolilli on September 21, 2011. Mario was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who lived for his "Grandpa Days" of spending one-on-one time with each of his grandchildren.
Calling hours will be on Sunday from 4-7pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Funeral Service will be on Monday at 10am at Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in Fishkill Rural Cemetery with military honors.
The family suggests the memorial donations be made in Mario's name to the Geri & ME Nursing Fund, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106 or the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.
For driving directions, online condolences or memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.