Paolillo, Vincent J. 1942-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Vincent Joseph Paolillo, “Dr. P”, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, surrounded by family. Vince was born Oct. 24, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Joseph and Anna (Fusco) Paolillo.
The family later moved to St. Joseph, where he graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960. He went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, receiving a Master of Arts in Education in 1967, an Educational Specialist degree in 1978, and a Doctor of Educational Administration in 1982.
On July 25, 1969, Vince married Jennifer (Adams) Paolillo, and together they raised six children: Alecia, Anthony, Andrew, Adam, Alex, and Alison.
Vince devoted more than 40 years to the St. Joseph School District. He began his career as a history teacher, later served as a middle school principal for many years, and finished his tenure as Director of Secondary Education. After retiring from the district in 2004, he continued his work in education at William Woods University as the Director of Graduate and Adult Studies from 2006 to 2011.
He loved the simple joys of life-spending time with family, cheering on his favorite sports teams, sitting on his front porch, and playing solitaire. Vince will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and love of music.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, of St. Joseph; daughter, Alecia (late Ron), of Mountain Home, Arkansas; sons, Anthony (Rachel) of Platte City, Missouri, Andrew (Lillian), Adam (Theresa), Alex (Emily); and daughter Alison (Jordan), all of St. Joseph. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Ryan, Lydia, Alena, Ava, Addison, Lucy, Vincent, Tallulah, McKinley, and Nora; great-grandchild, Teigann; brothers, Robert (Tamra) Paolillo and Gary (Barbara) Paolillo; nieces, Danielle (Ben) Paolillo-Hancock, Ashley (Mike) Paolillo-Luedtke, Tori (David) Paolillo-Vestal, and Casi (Doug) Paolillo-Boyd; great-nieces and nephews, Charlotte, Aubrey, Oliver, and Josie; and brother-in-law, Scott Adams.
Services will begin with a Visitation on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel. Followed by Liturgy of the Word on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier, beginning with the rosary.
Cremation will follow the services, entrusted to Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel of St. Joseph.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
