Pauline Niesz

Pauline "Paula" Niesz, 73, of Middletown, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. A loving wife, mother, and Meema, Paula will be remembered for her joyful spirit, devotion to helping others, and an unwavering love for her family.
Paula was born on March 17, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey, to Stella and Paul Calafiore, and was also lovingly raised with the help of her aunt, Anna "Titsie" Sapia. Paula married her husband, Peter, on October 14, 1977 at Sacred Heart Church in Newark, New Jersey, followed by a beautiful reception surrounded by friends and family at The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey. They had two children together, Christopher and Michael.
Paula attended Kean University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Education, which previewed her long career in the profession, the vast majority of which was spent teaching special education at Thorne Middle School in Middletown, New Jersey. Paula also earned her master's degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix.
Paula's life was shaped by her passion and love for her family. She devoted herself to supporting her sons in all their pursuits, both academic and athletic. True to her Italian roots, she had a boisterous voice, and could always be so clearly heard yelling, "Go, Christopher!" or, "Go, Michael!" from the stands of whatever athletic event her sons were participating in. And as she officially became a Meema, there was no greater joy in her life than spending time with grandchildren. After she retired, Paula was a part-time babysitter for her oldest grandchild, Henley, and rarely showed up without a new book or toy that she was so eager to share with her.
In her free time, Paula loved going to the beach with her family and friends. She spent many summers vacationing in both Long Beach Island and Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Her spring and summer rituals included watching New York Yankee games, cheering them on with her husband. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas Eve, which, as tradition, was hosted by her cousin Maria and included a plentiful 'seven fish' dinner filled with laughter, full bellies, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed this year and in the years to come.
Paula is predeceased by her brother, Joseph. She is survived by her husband, Peter; their two children, Christopher and Michael; daughters-in-law, Hillary and Sarah; grandchildren, Henley, Charlotte, Ben, and Nolan; siblings, Santina Burns (Joseph), Michael Calafiore (Dorothy), and Frank Calafiore; and her cousin, Maria Calabria. Her family will cherish her memory and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 23rd, from 1pm - 5pm at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
A funeral service take place the following morning, November 24th at 10am at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
Her final resting place will be Fair View Cemetery, Red Bank.