Rudolph A. Paoletti

Rudolph Americo Paoletti, 78, of Binghamton, NY, passed away March 8th, 2025 at New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, New York. He was predeceased by his parents Rudolph I. and Anne (Materese) Paoletti, and Sister-in-law Barbara Paoletti. Rudy is survived by his wife Victoria (Rogers) Paoletti of 53 years, son Rudolph V. (Dianna) Paoletti, daughters Christina Paoletti, Andrea (Jeremiah) OBrien, Katherine (Brian) Cummings, grandchildren Ava Connors, Edward Connors, Sophia Cummings, Michael Cummings, Katie Paoletti, Alexander OBrien and Morgan OBrien, brothers: Michael (Peggy) Paoletti, Daniel (Alisa) Paoletti, also nieces and nephews: Ann Bayna, Jeffery Paoletti, Eric Paoletti, Jenna Paoletti, Ethan Paoletti. Known as “Uncle Rudy” to many cherished cousins, and friends He was a Vietnam Veteran of The United States Marine Corp, Sergeant (Sgt) Recipient of the Purple Heart. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Valor for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Radio Operator with Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division on 10 October 1966. While accompanying a thirteen-man reconnaissance patrol, his unit came under heavy small arms fire and hand grenades from an estimated enemy force of approximately 50 Viet Cong. After receiving gunshot wounds to the leg, he courageously returned small arms fire at close range and simultaneously maintained radio contact in order to summon aid and direct air support and subsequent helicopter evacuation for the entire patrol. Rudy was President of The Rug Shop Inc. for over 50 years. A member and Trustee for the Endicott Sons of Italy Lodge 443 and received the 2009 Man of Year. He ran and hosted many events including Fish Parties, Wine Parties, and Sausage and Pepper Parties. Rudy was extremely proud of his Family and Italian Heritage. He had an intense passion for his hobbies and mastered every interest he pursued: He loved cooking, spending endless hours reading cookbooks and constantly feeding family and friends. He was a life-long fisherman and loved spending time on his boat at Oneida Lake. He studied Jazz and could often be found on his back porch late at night listening to Jazz and smoking a cigarette. He was a master gardener and took pride in the homegrown vegetables he would serve his family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 am, Friday, March 14 at the Parish of Saints John and Andrew, 1263 Vestal Avenue, Binghamton. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday, March 13 from 4-7 pm.