Pauline J. Terminelli

MASSENA – Pauline J. Terminelli, 90, peacefully passed away at her home Friday evening, August 29, 2025 with the love of her family at her side.

Pauline was born on March 14, 1935 in Norfolk, the daughter of the late Rocco and Rosaria (Sergi) Zappia. She attended Massena Central Schools, where she was a 1953 graduate. Pauline had a love for music, especially playing the piano. While in high school, she was proudly certified for the National Piano Playing Auditions by the National Guild of Piano Teachers. On September 3, 1955, she married the love of her life, Dominic Terminelli at St. Mary's Catholic Church. They were blessed with four children and 66 years of marriage before he predeceased her on December 11, 2021.

In 1958, Pauline and her husband, Dominic, opened Adam's View Restaurant (Dominic's) in Massena, where they proudly operated until its closure and their retirement in 1989. She had previously worked at Alcoa for a short time after their marriage. Pauline was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she was the volunteer organist for over 30 years. Additionally, she was a member of the Massena Hospital Auxiliary, Massena Senior Citizens, and continuously assisted her husband with the many civic community organizations. Pauline and Dominic enjoyed traveling, having traveled around Europe, the United States, and enjoyed trips planned with Dominic Violi. She played in a Ladies Softball League and was a NY Yankees Baseball fan. Above all, the love Pauline had for her family and friends gave her the greatest joy, most recently enjoying a surprise 90th birthday gathering with those closest to her heart.

Pauline is survived by her loving children and their spouses, Maria and John Macaulay, Mara and Max Pelifian, Adam Terminelli, and Lisa and Tim Long, all of Massena; her beloved grandchildren and their spouses, Nicholas (Jenna) Macaulay, Paula (Chris) Henry, Natalie Macaulay, Max Jr. (Melanie) Pelifian, Catherine Long, and Danielle (James Hodgson) Long; her great grandchildren, Coleton, Crew, Lilliana, Cora, Tyler, and Carina; her sister-in-law, Anita Zappia of North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pauline is also survived by her devoted caregivers, Diana, Claudette, Christine, Trina, and Nicole, who provided outstanding care to her, allowing her to stay in her home as her health declined.

Along with her parents, Rocco and Rosaria and her husband, Dominic, Pauline was predeceased by her brother, Dominic Zappia; sisters and their husbands, Catherine and Tony Portolese and Elizabeth and Marty Wicke; a niece, Paula Snow; and two nephews, Mike Zappia and Adam Terminelli.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may call on Friday, September 5th from 4-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6th at 10:00 AM in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Massena with Rev. Mark Reilly, celebrating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Massena.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Peter's Parish Outreach Ministries to assist local children and food bank.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com