Joseph Paolucci, Sr.

Joseph Benedict Paolucci, 81, of Atchison, Kansas, passed away on December 1, 2024. Born on March 2, 1943, to Nicholas Paolucci and Minnie LaPenta Paolucci, Joe was a lifelong Atchison resident with deep community roots.

Mass of Christian burial will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Church. The rosary will begin at 9:45 AM, with visitation to begin at 10:00 AM at the church. Joe will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Benedict Catholic School Endowment (SBCS Endowment) or the Atchison Humane Society in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.

Joe attended Bellevue and St. Benedict’s grade schools as well as Maur Hill Prep.

Joe married his high school sweetheart, Carole Healey, and they have been blessed with sixty-three years of marriage.

Joe’s primary employer was General Motors, where he worked for 37 years. Upon his retirement, Joe worked as a custodian for St. Benedict’s Catholic School.

As a member of Saint Benedict Parish, Joe participated in the support of the perpetual adoration chapel for many years.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, children: Joe (Cathy) Paolucci of Atchison, Tracey (Mike) Turpin of Lawson, MO, Kelly (Tony) Mendoza of Atchison; a brother, Dominic Paolucci (Marilyn) of Denver CO; and sister in-law, Patricia Paolucci of Phoenix AZ. Joe and Carole are blessed with 8 grandkids and 13 great grandkids.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Anthony (Tony) Paolucci; his two half-sisters: Rose (Paolucci) Ryan and Theresa (Paolucci) Beagle; Uncles Johnny Paolucci & Felix Paolucci; and Aunt Mary (Paolucci) Begley.

Joe’s greatest reward in life was his family and friends. He treasured family get togethers where he loved to prepare family recipes passed down to him.