Paul V. Pesce

Paul Victor Pesce, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on February 27th, 2025, at the age of 99. He lived a full, vibrant life, filled with love, laughter, and countless stories that will keep his spirit alive for generations to come.
Born on September 11, 1925, in Manhattan, Paul was the son of Salvatore "Alfredo" Pesce and Filomena Pesce (née DiFrenza). Raised in Brooklyn (Park Slope), Paul graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School in 1942. In his youth, Paul was one of the "Bowery Street Boys" always up to something - whether it was performing acrobatics on street lamps, hitching rides on the back of trolley cars with his pals, playing football, or getting his younger brothers out of trouble. Not one to sit still, he also worked various jobs – delivering groceries, sweeping the floor at a barber shop, and being an office boy. For balance, he was an altar boy and a member of the choir at his church.
After high school, he delved into work while taking night classes for Engineering at Brooklyn Polytechnic. However, when his father passed away in 1950, Paul made the selfless decision to put his dreams on hold to support his family.
In 1951, Paul married the love of his life, Anna Borgia, and together they began raising their family in Queens (Woodhaven). In 1963, the family made the bold move to Orangeburg, NY, after reading an ad about Rockland County in the newspaper. They enjoyed (and survived) a 73-year marriage of love, laughter, loud voices, and family memories.
Paul worked as a Machinist at Sperry Rand and then as a Machinist and Tool and Die Maker for the New York City Housing Authority, where he became a supervisor before retiring in 1987. Retirement didn't slow him down one bit! He stayed active with daily calisthenics (doing push-ups into his 70s and touching his toes into his 80s), tackled the crossword every morning, and even learned to use email and a couple of social media accounts (though rarely accessed). Paul also helped his son Alfred with his landscaping business, went canoeing, and discovered a passion for woodcarving. As the proud president of the Mid-Hudson Woodcarvers Guild, he always had a project (or three) in the works. His travels with his wife, Anna, took them to Italy, Germany, France, and Hong Kong. Paul's greatest joy in his later years came from his great-grandchildren. Their antics, smiles, and energy kept him on his toes and always ready with some witty banter. He adored teasing them and sharing his playful sense of humor.
A devout member of St. Catherine's Church in Blauvelt, NY, Paul was a dedicated Samaritan, donor, and usher for decades – even into his 90s.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife, Anna, his three children - Alfred Pesce (and Jean), PhyllisAnne Pesce (and Don Saylers), and Rosemary Pitruzzella (and Sammy) - as well as his four grandchildren: Paul Pesce (and Raquel), Jennifer Pesce Henderson (and Henry), Heather O'Hara (and Christopher), and Marco Pitruzzella (and Britannie Bond). He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren (Matthew, Derek, Alexandria, Verona, and RJ Pesce, John and Amelie O'Hara, and Paul Henderson), his "kid" sister Mary Timson (née Pesce), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Angelo 'Sonny' Pesce (and wife, Beatrice) and Carlo Pesce (and wife, Kathy), his brother-in-law Dennis Timson, sisters-in-law Agnes (and husband, Pasquale) Razzano Sr. and Gloria (and husband, Leonard) Pappalardo, nephew Christopher Pesce, nephew Antonio Oliveira and great-nephew Christopher Pesce.
Paul's life was marked by his love for his family, his faith, and his incomparable sense of humor. He could always be counted on for a laugh, a mischievous smile, and the most entertaining stories - some of which may or may not have been slightly enhanced over the years. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, love, and laughter that will be carried forward by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Paul - Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, and Friend. Your stories will live on forever, and your legacy will continue to bring smiles and laughter for generations to come.
His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to his caring and ever-patient aides for their support in making Paul's final chapter earthside as comfortable as possible. They also extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at United Hospice of Rockland for all their behind-the-scenes efforts during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Catherine of Alexandria (https://parishgiving.org/), St. Jude's (https://www.stjude.org/donate), and/or Alzheimer's Disease Research (https://donate.BrightFocus.org/).
A celebration of life will be held at Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home in West Nyack, NY, on Friday, March 7th (3:00pm - 8:00pm), and funeral mass at St Catherine of Alexandria in Blauvelt, NY, on Saturday, March 8th (10:00am).