John Paoletti, Clairton Bears Memorial Fund

IN MEMORY OF JOHN "POE" PAOLETTI
"CLASS OF 1960"

                                                                                                               
John Vincent Paoletti, age 78 of Elizabeth Township passed away on Monday, November30, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital. John “Poe” was born on July 14, 1942 in McKeesport Hospital and grew up in the Wilson area of Clairton. He was the son of the late Leon and Theresa (Azzari) Paoletti. John was a graduate of Clairton High School “Class of 1960”, where he proudly led the Clairton Bears as their standout quarterback. His talents were not limited to the football field, as he also lettered in two additional sports. He went on to attend Dayton University where he continued playing football. After college, John married the “love of his life” Linda. They went on to share a beautiful life together, celebrating 50 years of marriage, and were blessed with three loving daughters and four grandsons whom they adored. John had a long career as a foreman at US Steel–Clairton Works, where he was well liked and respected. John retired after more than 30 years of service. He then began his 2nd career and true calling as #1 grandfather “Pap Pap”. John joins his beloved wife, the late Linda (Miller) Paoletti, who passed away December 20, 2014. John is survived by his devoted daughters Kristin Paoletti of Elizabeth Township, Nicole (Keith) Galloway of Elizabeth Township, and Danielle (Brian) Eisenberg of Pleasant Hills; his four cherished grandsons Alec (Shelbie) Howard, Connor Paoletti, and Griffin and Landon Galloway; his siblings Charles “Chuck” (Betty) Paoletti of Mt. Lebanon, Mary Ann (the late Frank “Zeke”) Geletko of Clairton, Laura (the late Greg) Thaxton of Liberty Borough, and Christina “Tina” (Ron) Moog of Baldwin; as well as many special nieces and nephews. John was a longtime member of St. Michael Parish and a devoted member of his community. His love of sports, especially football, continued throughout his life. John coached for the “EFAA” youth football program for many years, while instilling his passion for sports in his entire family. He was an avid golfer who never missed the chance to play a round of 18. However, his favorite pastime was cheering on his grandsons and challenging more than a few referees for “bad calls”. John was the life of the party, he could make you laugh until you cried, and his stories were legendary; yet his greatest attribute was his gigantic heart and his unselfish devotion to his family. He was truly one of a kind, and his infectious personality left an everlasting impact on those who were lucky enough to have known him. John’s spirit and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of his family. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date due to current precautions, so we can properly honor and share in the celebration of John’s life. Arrangements provided by the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton. John will forever be a proud “Clairton Bear" and would be honored to have memorial contributions made in his name to the Clairton High School Athletic Department via this GoFundMe page.