Ann R. Paoni

ILION – Mrs. Ann R. Paoni, age 92, a lifelong resident of the Ilion area, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, November 4, 2024, at the Presbyterian Home of CNY, where she has resided these past few months. At the time of her passing, Ann had the love and support of her devoted family at her side. In her own words, “I don’t want anybody being upset. I have had a long and wonderful life.”

Ann was born in Albany on March 21, 1932. As a baby, she was adopted by her loving parents, the late Earl and Lorina (Deslieres) Rorke. She was raised and educated in Ilion, graduating from Ilion High School with the Class of 1950.

On April 16, 1955, Ann was wed to Alfred Paoni in the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. Together, Ann and Al spent over forty-three years in a marriage filled with love and laughter. Al truly adored his Annie and that was very apparent to all who knew them together. In her own words, “I loved your Dad, and am anxious to see him again.”

Ann’s primary role through the years, was that of mother and housewife, but when her children were grown, Ann went on to join the workforce. She decided to go into the insurance business and in the early years worked for Jack Day in Ilion.

After obtaining various licensures she joined the team at Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy where she worked many years until her retirement. Subsequently, she would spend her latter years working at the desk at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home; a position which allowed her to socialize and help those in need. She formed lasting relationships with her co-workers and neighbors.

Ann was also very civic-minded and gave her time to numerous organizations throughout the valley. She sat on the board of Mohawk Valley Community Action for nine years. She also served on the board of Catholic Charities as well as the Foundation board of the Ilion Library.

Ann’s energy and zest for life was contagious and she was a woman about her community, both philanthropically and socially. She was outgoing, friendly and had a big personality. She kept busy well into her eighties, attending functions, events and going out and having fun with her girlfriends.

A lifelong Catholic, Ann was very devout in her faith and the Sacraments and teachings of the Church. She attended daily Mass until this last year, when her health no longer allowed her to do so. She also believed in the power of prayer.

Her optimism and sense of humor were admirable qualities that Ann maintained right up until the end. In her own words, “My desire is that you will celebrate my life. I’ll be smiling down at you. I love you all and am proud of all of you…”

Ann is survived by her daughter, Lori Aiello of Saratoga Springs; her sons and daughters-in-law, John and JoAnn Paoni of Ilion, Matthew and Gina Paoni of Ilion and Mark and Kealhi Paoni of Parish, FL; her grandchildren, James and Gina Aiello of Virginia, Michael Aiello of Albany, Nick and Andie Paoni of Rome, Melissa and Jake Shatraw of Ilion, Becca and Elizabeth Jay of Denver, CO, Josh Paoni of Frankfort, CJ Paoni of Florida and Andrew Paoni of Florida; along with her beloved great-grandchildren, Nolan, Lilly, Ella, Carlo, Leyna, Henry and one on the way! She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends, too numerous to mention.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Al; her brother, Earl Rorke; and her son, Michael Paoni, who passed in 1996.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Ann which will be held on Monday morning, November 11, 2024, from 9:00AM – 10:00AM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Procession will follow to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where Ann’s Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30AM. Final interment at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer will take place at the convenience of the family.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Ann’s memory to Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 West Street, Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Ann’s final wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted to her friends and funeral directors, Marty Ciaccia and Kevin Enea. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .