Joseph P. Paonessa, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Monday March 15, 2010 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Peter C. and Sarah G. (Serrianni) Paonessa. He attended 24th Street School, Gaskill Junior High School, and graduated from Trott High School. Following military service in World War II, he received an Electronics Degree in Technology from M.I.T. in Detroit, Michigan.

As a young boy, Joe sold magazines and Clover Salve, roller-skated, enjoyed banana splits at Unique's Ice Cream Palace, and went to the movies at the Hippodrome and Rainbow Theaters on Pine Avenue. As a teenager, he played drums for the Gaskill Marching Band, the AmVets Marching Band, and Sons of the American Legion Marching Band. He organized his own dance band, all the while; he was working for the Power City Distributing Co. and the Bell Aircraft Co. In 1944, Joe enlisted in the United States Coast Guard to serve his country during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Seaman 1st Class. Upon his return to Niagara Falls after his service, Joe married Gertrude Daniels in 1947
Joe's business career includes 20 years with Sears, ownership of the Seneca Lounge, manager of the camera department at K-Mart, lighting department manager at Hysen Supplies and account executive at Davis Electric, Inc. Joe also owned and operated the Wilson Trading Post on Lake Road from 1984 to 1988. Joe has been the chairman of the City of Niagara Falls Home Improvement Registration and Review Board and charter member of the City of Niagara Falls Board of Examiners of Electricians for 25 years, and a member of the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. (HANCI) board of directors. He was the Home Show Chairman of the Niagara County Builders Association and his productions of the NCBA Summit Mall Home and Garden Shows and on-site Home Shows in Wheatfield and on Grand Island. In 1993, Joe became one of the first home owners in Black Creek Village, the Love Canal Revitalized Area. In fact, Joe was one of the pioneer residents who successfully participated in the rebuilding of this world famous neighborhood. Along with Trudy, they were acknowledged by the LaSalle Business Association with the LaSalle Community Service Award 2004.
Joe was distinguished for his community service. With the "The Amazing Volunteer Award", at the annual AARP Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony in October 2002. An 18-year member of AARP, Joe served many terms as the chapter president and was current vice-president, as well as the chapter representative to the Niagara County Council on Aging and TRIAD. In turn, he was the TRIAD liaison to the Niagara Falls Block Club Council where he had also served as past president. Joe exemplified AARP's venerable motto for which he was recognized with their "Community Service Award" in 1995. He was a consummate volunteer. Every Friday morning since 1987, Joe volunteered at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and counseled patients for Mended Hearts, Inc., for which he earned the "Merit Award". He and John Paonessa were also the first CareVan drivers for the hospital. As a member of the Niagara County Builders Association, Joe served three-terms as president, 25 years as Home Show Chairman, and received the "Man of the Year Award" and "President's Spike Award." Joe was a past-chairman of the BOCES Advisory Committee for Building Trades and one of the first Festival of Lights volunteers. He was recognized for his efforts with the "Tops Good Neighbor Award" and the National Multiple Sclerosis "Appreciation Award." He was also recognized for his life-time commitment to the Pine Avenue Little Italy area with the "Cittadini Speciali" Award 2004 (Special Citizen's Award 2004) by the Pine Avenue Business Association.
Epitomizing the new AARP motto: The power to make it better, Joe served his community as: Past-President of the Niagara County Council on the Aging, leader in the citywide Clean-sweeps sponsored by the Niagara Beautification Commission, and member of the City of Niagara Falls Senior Citizen Advisory Board and of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.
Joe Paonessa's contributions throughout his career, his community service, and his outstanding volunteer achievements have enhanced the quality of life for all who knew him. He was truly loved and will be deeply missed.
Mr. Paonessa was predeceased by his wife Gertrude (Daniels) Paonessa on December 24, 1987. He is survived by his beloved partner in life, Trudy J. Christman of Niagara Falls, NY, two daughters. Renee (Virgil) Fiorentini and Kathi (William) Duff both of Niagara Falls, NY; two granddaughters, Audra Miller and Gina Duff, one sister Mary (late Peter) Pelsoni of Niagara Falls, NY; two brothers, Russell (Carla) Paonessa of Scottsdale, AZ and Peter (Patricia) Paonessa of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where services will be held on Friday March 19th at 10 a.m. with Rev. Susan Keppy officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.