Vincent Paparella's Obituary
Vincent Paparella, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2023. He was born July 30, 1936, in Muskegon, son of John and Maria (Piccininni) Paparella. He grew up in Muskegon and previously resided in the Sparta and Spring Lake areas.
Vince is survived by his seven children: Thomas (Beth) Paparella, Theresa (Arthur Monegain-deceased) Paparella, Catherine (Fred) Bartuch, Matt (Neeta Chesla) Paparella, Mike (Cindy) Paparella, Tony (Heather) Paparella, and Marybeth Paparella-Dame; sister and brother: Angeline (Blaine) Douglas and Michael (Beverly) Paparella; 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. He will be joining in heaven those preceding him in death: his parents, siblings Louis “Louie” Paparella and Marta Langlois, and the mother of their children Rosemary (Pastucha) Paparella.
Vince graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 – 1954 as a Petty Officer Second Class where he was a Shipfitter Metalsmith, having been awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. He then served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was honorably discharged in July of 1962.
As a graduate of Aquinas College, with a BS Business, Vince was known as an innovative engineer, having started his own conveyor business over 50 years ago. In partnership with his sons, they have grown Spartec Conveyors into a successful business for which Vince was known for his commitment.
Vince inspired his family and others with his deep Catholic faith as a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake and previously served as a Eucharist Minister and Youth Religious Educator at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sparta. Vince loved sailing on Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake, and biking, for which he will be remembered for endless long-distance rides.
A Memorial Mass for Vince will be held Friday, July 28 at 11:00 AM, at St Mary’s Catholic Church (406 E. Savidge, Spring Lake, MI) with Fr. Bill Vander Werff presiding. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to mass. Burial with military honors will take place immediately following at St. Mary’s Cemetery (1915 Park Street, Muskegon, MI) with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Spring Lake or Right to Life of Michigan. Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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