Joseph G. Paoli, Jr.

Joseph G. Paoli Jr., 86, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.  Born in Wilmington on June 3, 1939, he was the son of the late Guiseppe and Esther (Cataldi) Paoli.

Joe was a proud graduate of Brown Vocational High School, class of 1957.  He proudly and honorably served our country in the Army National Guard and soon after joined Plumber’s Union Local 26, where he learned his trade.  Ultimately, Joe retired from Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 74, after a 65 year career.

Joe was a coach through and through and touched many lives, beginning with the Elsmere Tigers and Phillies baseball teams, which included Elsmere’s neighborhood kids, as well as coaching the Conrad Apache football team.  He loved to dance, enjoyed listening to his music, playing cards, and watching sports, especially his Philadelphia Eagles.  Joe was truly a lifelong fan.

He met the love of his life, Nikki, on a blind date and the two became engaged shortly thereafter. 

His beloved wife of 59 years, Nicolette M. (Sposato) Paoli, passed away on April 10, 2023.

Joe will be dearly missed by his children, Mary Pat Serio (John), Joseph G. Paoli III (Kim), Samuel Paoli (Renee) and Nicole Spadea (Michael); his beloved grandchildren, Dominic (Joseph), Gabriela (Mike), Alexa, Mary Kate, Joey IV, Sam, Massimo, Giada, Michael (Taylor), Ashley, Mackenzie and Michael; and his precious great grandchildren, Brooke and Luca Joseph, with another on the way.  He lovingly referred to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as his “Pop-Pops”.

Joe is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Catalina and husband, Steve, and Rosemary McBride and husband, Benny; his sisters-in-law, Dolly Paoli, Dorie Paoli and Gini Paoli; many nephews, nieces and their families.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Dominick Paoli (Lee), Alfred Paoli, Eugene “Gene” Paoli, Nello Paoli (Ann) and Anthony Paoli; his sister, Catherine Sparco (Anthony).

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 N. DuPont Street, Wilmington on Tuesday, July 1 from 9:30 – 11:45AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00PM, immediately followed by entombment in Cathedral Cemetery.

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