Obituary of Patrick J. Paolella

Patrick J. Paolella Sr. died on the morning of December 26th in his long time Paramus residence with his devoted wife of sixty-six years, Geraldyne (Ruta) at his side. A proud son of Hackensack, he was born there on October 13th, 1931, to Margaret (McLoughlin) and Giovanni B. Paolella. His sons Patrick, John, and Chris, survive him, as do his two daughters-in-law, Elliot and Mary Lyn, his godson Dennis Gallitano, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and cherished nieces and nephews. We are now called to celebrate the exemplary and purposeful life of an individual who impacted so many in so many positive ways. With his resolute and unwavering commitment to family and friends, he overcame obstacles, creating opportunities for himself and for others. Reliable, faithful, unselfish, and charitable, he possessed and espoused the best qualities a human being can offer. As a role model, he inspired those same qualities in others whether in business or on the golf course. He knew what was right, what was important, and lived by his principles. Pat graduated from Hackensack H.S. in 1950, where he was Co-Captain and second baseman for the 1950 Hackensack All-Century baseball team, and then from Fairleigh Dickinson in 1954 with a degree in Business Administration. As a member of the Fairleigh Dickinson Golf team, he was undefeated in dual play during his senior year. He later served in the United States Army, stationed after basic training in Fort Sill, OK, where he was the assistant golf pro. In addition to excelling at sports, he was a talented musician, first in his teens with his dance band, the Moonlight Serenaders, and throughout his life as a talented vocalist often performing at large family functions. Pat was the founder and principal owner of Paolella Pro-filing Inc., an automated asphalt milling company. He was also a Member Emeritus of White Beeches Country Club, serving multiple terms as President and recently honored with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Well played 'Patsy'. The Funeral will begin on Thursday January 4, 2024, at 8:45 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 49 Vreeland Ave, Hackensack at 10:00 AM, with interment following at George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus. The family will receive friends at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 3rd, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider White Beeches Country Club's Caddy Scholarship Fund, 70 Haworth Drive, Haworth, N.J. 07641 or the Hackensack University Medical Center's Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Center, 30 Prospect Ave. Hackensack, NJ 07601. To send condolences, directions, or for further information Please visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com