Louis J. "Louie" Paparella

Mr. Louis J. "Louie" Paparella, age 76, tragically passed Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in Grand Haven. Louie was born on September 27, 1931 in Molfetta, Italy to John and Maria A. (Piccininni) Paparella. He came to the United States at the age of 4 and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, class of 1950. He also attended Muskegon Community College and the University of Alabama. Mr. Paparella served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He married the former Rose A. Matovic at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on September 8, 1956 where he was a faithful member. Throughout the years Louie served on many of the church committees and was proud to serve as usher. Louie was employed as a claims administrator at the Muskegon branch of the U.S. Post Office, retiring in 1987 after 34 years. Mr. Paparella was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union and served on the board of directors of the Postal Employees Credit Union. Louie loved crossword puzzles, working in his yard, shopping, and telling stories. Survivors include wife, Rose; 5 children, Susan (Dennis) Mangiapane of Encinitas, CA, John (Kathy) of Mt Pleasant, MI, Joseph (Marlys) of Roosevelt Park, David of Roosevelt Park, and Richard (Sheryl) of Chandler, AZ; 16 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Vincent of Spring Lake and Michael (Beverly) of Sacramento, CA; 2 sisters, Marta Langlois of Dorr, MI and Angeline (Blaine) Douglas of Paw Paw, MI; and many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tuesday, 11:00 A.M. Fr. Thomas J. Brown presiding. Visitation will be held at: The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 Monday, 6-8 P.M. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial: Sacred Heart Catholic Church.