Joseph Papatola

Papatola, Joseph P., Sr. Family man, educator and garrulous spirit, died Saturday morning at the age of 88. Longtime resident of St. Anthony Village. Joe's final days were spent surrounded by family and friends at Meadowood Shores in New Brighton. The son of Dominic & Rose Papatola, Joe was born on February 7, 1923 in Nashwauk, MN a beloved hometown to which he returned every 4th of July for the rest of his life. He was stationed in the South Pacific with the U.S. Air Force during WWII. After being discharged, he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Minnesota. He married Dorothy Skwiera on August 12, 1950. He worked for 30 years as a teacher and administrator in Minneapolis Public Schools where his firm hand and no-nonsense demeanor earned admiration from his peers and wary respect from his students. He and Dorothy were active members of St. Charles Borromeo Church, to which they generously lent their time and talent. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Italian-American Club of Minneapolis. Joe loved golf, bowling, trips to Florida and sojourns to the casino. He retained a lifelong frustration with whomever happened to be the current offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, a displeasure he voiced with great vigor from his chair in the family room. His proudest accomplishment was his family; his greatest pleasure was the art of conversation. Joe is preceded in death by his sister, Theresa; his brother-in-law, Joseph Cloutier and his son-in-law, Timothy Peterson. In addition to his wife, Dorothy, he is survived by his children, Kathleen, Joseph, Jr. (Tim Scott), Mary Jo (Gary Manzey), Nancy (Greg Smith) and Dominic (Mary Jones). Joe also leaves 8 grandchildren who were a continual source of joy for him: Chase, Mara, Paul, Collin, Marissa, Sarah, Nicky and Sofia. His siblings are Anthony Papatola of Chicago, Marie Cloutier of Coleraine, MN and Bette (Mirko) Bogdanovich of Calumet, MN. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, 11 am, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, St. Anthony Blvd. at Stinson Blvd., St. Anthony. Interment Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at church and Tues., 4-7 pm with vigil prayers at 6:30 pm at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828 2901 Johnson St. NE

Tributes

Joseph Papatola

January 30, 2012

Tributes

Joseph Papatola

January 30, 2012

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