Louis F. Paonessa, 81, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Tuesday January 17, 2012 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY surrounded by his loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Francis and Rose Paonessa.

Louis was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. On June 28, 1952 he married Doreen G. (Goss) Paonessa at St. Mary's Church in Welland, Ontario, Canada. Mrs. Paonessa predeceased him on April 27, 2006. For over thirty years, Lou was employed at the Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls, NY and also served as a union steward for the O.C.A.W. (Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers) Union. He was an active member and usher at St. Vincent DePaul Parish in Niagara Falls, NY. Lou was an avid sports fan especially of his beloved N.Y. Yankees, Notre Dame Football, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He also loved horse racing, dancing, and in his younger years participated in the Carborundum fast pitch softball and bowling leagues. Above all, Lou enjoyed spending time with his family and attending all of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events.

Mr. Paonessa is survived by his three children, Donna (Joseph) Yanulevich Sr. of Wheatfield, NY; Debra (Ronald) Yates, Jr. and Lou (Jeannie) Paonessa both of Niagara Falls, NY; thirteen grandchildren, Debra Yanulevich, Stephanie Yanulevich, Alexis Yanulevich and Joseph Yanulevich, Jr., Joanne (Michael) Kwarciany; Ronald (Dawn) Yates III, Paul (Wendy) Yates, 1st Lieutenant Jonathan (Meggin)Yates, Audrianna Yates, Doreen LaFreniere, Amanda Paonessa, Matthew Paonessa and Dominic Paonessa and was predeceased by one grandson Michael Yanulevich. He is also survived by five great- grandchildren Davin Yanulevich, Madison, Anthony, Ashley and Heather Yates; two brothers and one sister, Phillip (Mary) Paonessa of Niagara Falls, NY, Frank Paonessa, Josephine Paonessa both of Henderson, NV and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by two brothers, and one sister Joseph Paonessa, Paul (late Mary) Paonessa and Maria Josephine Paonessa.

Visitation will be on Friday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday January 21st at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094 or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo NY 14240.