ALBANY – Maria Giovanna Paonessa, 83, of Albany, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Her own story is one full of love, family, passion, pride,and some of the best Italian cooking you’ve ever tasted.
Maria would be the first to tell you, “I am from Rome,” and say it with such pride you couldn’t help but wish you were from Italy, too. It was in Rome that she was a teacher of health & nutrition. She met her husband Dominick in Italy and the two came to the United States in 1969. One year later, they were married, and the rest is both history and herstory.
The same year Maria was married, she saved people from a gas leak on Tampa Avenue, evacuating them from their homes just before a gas explosion. It was not her first act of heroism, nor would it be her last.
Maria always put others before herself and would cook for them every chance she got. Between her cooking and her company, her home was a place full of love — and a whole lot of Parmigiano Reggiano.
It was at her home that Maria passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the age of 83, surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband Dominick F. Paonessa, M.D.; her daughter Marisa P. Paonessa of Chicago; her son Christopher Paonessa of Albany; and her two granddogs Luigi and Mimi. She was predeceased by her brothers Tonino and Dante Cardona.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 13th, at 12:00 noon in St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Dominick Paonessa
Dominick, Christopher and Marisa.
Sending my condolences to all of you who are impacted by the loss of a loved and wonderful wife and mother, I know she is in a better place may she RIP..
Kalypso N Gouvakis DeRito
My deepest sympathies for your loss. May her memory be eternal. Prayers for you and your family at the time of grief.
Mark Vallarta
For the Paonessa Family,
Trees will be planted in Maria’s memory and in celebration of her life.
Overtime, they will grow ever more beautiful and provide comfort, shelter and shade to future families as they enjoy summer picnics and eachothers company!
They will become strong, sturdy and heroic trees, with the deepest roots and will watch over and participate in the creation of beautiful memories for these familes, as Maria has created and watches over all of you!
My Deepest Condolences,
Mark Vallarta
Chicago, Illinois
Nikolaos DeRito
Chris and Dr.Paonessa,
I’m very sorry for your loss. She is very proud of you both. May her memory be eternal, and with love to you both.
Scott Weinlein
My Italiano Mama. Words can not describe the beautiful person she was. She always welcomed me in her home with love and delicious meals cooked from her heart. She helped raise an amazing daughter who I’m lucky to call my friend. Gianna Mama you will always live on in our hearts. You treated me like a Mother. Rest in peace!
With love always! Scott
Barbara Zahora
My deepest condolences and prayers for strength and comfort are with you all. Marisa is such a bright light in this world, and I know she gets that light in large part from her lovely Mama. I hope you all will be lifted up in love at this time.
Debra Trees
Dear Paonessa Family. I am thinking of you during this difficult time with the loss of your wonderful wife and mother. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
Ann Brady
My condolences to the Paonessa family.. God bless Marisa for leaving her business in Chicago to come home and be with her mother.
Albany Physical Therapy
Our sincere condolences. It was always a pleasure to have Maria at our office. She had a beaming personality, told wonderful stories, and will be dearly missed.
Clare Fabozzi
Our deepest sympathies are with you, Dr. Paonessa, and your entire family. We hope that love surrounds you now and brings you comfort and strength.
With much love ,
The Pediatric Nurses of St. Peter’s Hospital
Joe Teresi
Sincere condolences and prayers to the Paonessa family.
Diane Nobles
Dr. Paonessa and family I want to give my sincere condolences to everyone. Mrs. Paonessa was a true gem a precious diamond. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
Rev. Fr. Dennis and Candice Nagi
Dear Dr. Paonessa, Christopher, and Marisa,
It is with deepest sorrow but hope in the life everlasting that we send this message of condolence to the three of you. Your wife and mother was truly “one in a million” when it came to the love she had for her family. Please know that we will be lighting a 7-day vigil candle and saying loving prayers in her memory this Sunday. May Our Dear Lord grant you the strength needed during this most difficult of times and may her blessed memory be eternal.
May God Bless you,
Rev. Fr. Dennis and Candice Nagi
Tom and Laura Paonessa
Our sincere condolences
Sheila Moon
To the Paonessa Family, My deepest sympathy is with all of you on the occasion of the death of your beloved wife and mother. I know she will be dearly missed.