Obituary of Joseph S. Paoletta

Joseph S. Paoletta, age 66, of Trumbull, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by the people who loved him most. He leaves behind a life defined not just by success, but by the deep friendships, compassion, and joy he shared with those lucky enough to know him.

Joe was the beloved husband—and truly the best friend—of Jocelyn Plouffe Paoletta, with whom he shared 48 beautiful years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Joe and Jocelyn were inseparable teammates in life, a pair whose warmth, humor, and care for one another inspired everyone around them.

Born in Bridgeport on November 29, 1958, Joe was the son of Eileen Eaton Paoletta and the late Joseph A. Paoletta. In addition to Jocelyn, he is survived by his loving children, Jordan Paoletta (Stephen Matthews) and Jonathan Paoletta (Samantha), and his adored grandson, Griffin Paoletta, who brought Joe immense pride and joy. He also leaves behind his brothers, Hugh, Mark (Tricia), and Paul (Marina); his sister Andrea Paoletta; mother-in-law Joan Plouffe; sister-in-law Elisa Pritchard (Gene); brother-in-law Raymond Plouffe; his devoted aunts and uncles, and a large, loving extended family.

And then there are the friends—so many, so close, and all better for having had Joe in their lives. He was one of the kindest, most empathetic, and unassuming people you could ever hope to meet. He showed up for people, whether helping with a project, or just sharing a laugh over dinner or during one of many cherished "listening sessions" in his basement. He was the kind of friend you could count on without asking—and you always left his company feeling better for being with him.

After graduating from Sacred Heart University, Joe built a successful career in banking, a field where his integrity, intelligence, and care for others made a lasting impression. He often credited his mentor and friend, Dr. Thomas Patrick Melady, with helping shape his path, but anyone who worked with Joe knows his success was deeply rooted in who he was: thoughtful, steady, humble, and endlessly generous with his time and energy.

But Joe was never defined by his career. He was defined by his goodness—by the quiet, consistent way he made life better for everyone around him. That spirit was there early on: in 1964, at just five years old, Joe made the Bridgeport Post for his act of bravery, jumping into a moving car to save his sister and friend. That same courage and instinct to protect never left him. He was our steady hand, our calm voice, our go-to guy.

We miss him more than words can say—but his light and love live on in the stories we'll keep telling, the music we'll keep listening to, and the kindness we'll pay forward in his honor.

We invite all who were touched by Joe's life to share their memories at www.abriola.com.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull. At Joe's request, there will be no calling hours, and burial will be private.

In recent years, Joe and Jocelyn found joy in birding together—a shared passion that led to many peaceful days and incredible photographs, especially of eagles. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to two organizations close to Joe's heart:

* A Place Called Hope – Birds of Prey Rehabilitation (www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com)

* The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (www.ripleyconservancy.org)

Arrangements are entrusted to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.