Joseph C. Paparone

Joseph Charles Paparone, age 80, died peacefully at home in Port Ewen, New York, on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021. Born June 9th, 1940 in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of the late Phillipo and Benedetta Paparone. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, children Lisa Kerry and Joseph John Paparone, daughter-in-law Lesley-Anne Paparone, sisters Mary and Theresa Paparone, brothers and sisters-in-law Dr. Basil and Kathy Paparone and Dr. Philip and Dr. Pamela Paparone, sister-in law Suzanne Swank and husband George, brother-in-law Retired Navy Captain Arne C.Johnson, and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

An avid golfer and devoted Yankee fan, Joe's passion, by far, was theatre. He graduated with a Ph.D in Theatre Arts from Indiana University, and was one of the founders of the theater department at the State University of New York in New Paltz. An accomplished professor, performer, producer and director, he was knowledgeable and skilled in every aspect of the theatre. Over the course of his 43 year career, he poured his love for theatre, his energy, his wisdom, and his humor into mentoring and educating countless students, who now carry his legacy forward to performing arts institutions both large and small throughout the world. If you've ever seen a play or musical, there's a good chance someone involved in the production was connected to "Papa Joe".

He is deeply missed, and his presence endures.

"Be the best apple you can be. If they are looking for oranges, oh well, there's nothing you can do about it."

Due to current Covid restrictions, no memorial services are planned at this time.

Contributions in his memory should be made to the Dr. Joe Paparone Theatre Student Scholarship Fund, so that future Theatre Arts students can pursue their dreams and continue his legacy:

SUNY at New Paltz Office of Alumni Relations
1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561
Attn: Scholarship fund contributions
You must specify on your check that it is for the Dr. Joe Paparone Theatre Student Scholarship fund.