Obituary of Donald Paoletti

Donald Paoletti of Waukesha passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Season's Hospice surrounded by family at the age of 87. He was the beloved husband of Carol for 64 years; loving father of Luann (Sheldon) Watkins of Waukesha, Guy (Lori) Paoletti of New Berlin, and Dale (Maggie) Paoletti of Atlanta. He was the proud grandfather of Andrea and Marissa Watkins; AJ, Natalie, Katie and Bradley Paoletti. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Paoletti; and close childhood cousin, David Balzarini. Don was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on May 14, 1927 the son of Sam and Theresa Paoletti. After graduating from high school Don enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Benham during WWII and in the Naval Reserve until August of 1951. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1952 from Michigan State University and Master's in Education from Marquette University in 1964. After teaching in Michigan for five years, he and his wife Carol moved to Waukesha in 1957 where he began his 31 year career with the School District of Waukesha. Don was a social studies teacher, a counselor, an assistant principal and principal. He retired in July of 1988 as principal of Central Middle School. Don was a lifetime member of the National Education Association. Following retirement, Don and Carol moved to Brookfield Highlands and became managers of Building 5 for twelve years prior to moving to Avalon Square. Don enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards, bowling, playing softball, gardening and being Mr. Fix-It. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren as they grew up. He was a long time member of Saint Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waukesha. The family would like to thank the staff of Avalon Square and Seasons Hospice for the care and support they provided. They also wish to extend a special thank you to Don's personal caregiver Lori for her dedication, love and friendship. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha, 53188. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave. Waukesha, 53188. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Don's memory to Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th fl, New York, NY 10001. St. Mark's Lutheran Church, (See address above) or the Waukesha Food Pantry, 1301 Sentry Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186.