Paparella, Steven

Steven Paparella, age 41, of Manchester passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday October 16, 2022. Steve was born on November 19, 1980 and was raised in South Windsor.

Steve was known for many things, the most notable was his role at the YMCA where he served as the School Aged Childcare Head Teacher. Steve's dedication and commitment to caring for children was his passion. His demeanor and will were an inspiration to the kids and his colleagues. In addition to his love of caring for others, Steve was an avid NY Yankee and NY Giants fan. He never missed an opportunity to attend a game or take a trip into the city to enjoy the views of Yankee and Met Life Stadiums. He loved music, entertainment and Italian food and heritage. Memories of Billy Joel occupying the radio whenever possible, and his trips to Mohegan Sun with his family and friends to see concerts, comedy shows and fine foods will be cherished by many. Steve didn't follow a menu and always asked the server to make it spicy and add hot roasted peppers to it.

Steve leaves behind many who he loved and adored; his mother, Donna Rizzio of Old Saybrook and his father, Richard Paparella of Wethersfield. He leaves behind his sister, Cara Henderson and her children, Avery and Connor of Old Saybrook. He was survived by his maternal grandmother, Marie Rizzio and paternal grandfather, Benedict Paparella. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Louise Paparella and maternal grandfather, Anthony Rizzio. Steve's extended family were precious to him, including his aunts and uncles; Jeanne Dubin, Michael and Nancy Paparella, Alison and Martin Francis, Ken and Donna Rizzio, Carol and Tim Conklin and Linda Rizzio Longobardi. His close relationships with his cousins will never be duplicated, including Elizabeth Paparella, Alicia Comeau, Michael and Heather Paparella, Sara and Andrew Eisch, Jeffrey and Amanda Francis, Dana Longobardi, Michele Marsh, Chris Rizzio and Jessica Rost, Paul Rizzio and Kaz Majowski, as well as Kathryn Conklin. Additionally, his large extended family of great aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues will always be remembered for their kindness, love and support. A special thank you to the intensive care unit at Saint Francis Hospital, particularly his nurse Carolyn Clark, for showing our family so much empathy and kindness on that tragic day. Steven now lives in our collective hearts forever; although unable to walk he never missed a step and moved through life with grace.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Christ the King Parish (Corpus Christi Church), 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield on Wednesday, October 26th at 11:00 a.m. In Steven's memory, donations can be made to the Children's Tumor Foundation to end Neurofibromatosis at CTF.org. or to Farmington Valley YMCA, 97 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Steve, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries

A memorial service will be celebrated at the First Congregational Church of Canton Center on Wednesday, October 26th at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Jim's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome. com for online tributes.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries