Dr. Joseph C. Paparone passed away on January 19, 2021 at the age of 81 following a long struggle with cancer. Born and raised in Atlantic City, Joseph became a professor at SUNY New Paltz and was one of the founders of the Department of Theatre Arts. He retired after 43 years. Joseph is predeceased by his mother and father, Phillipo and Benedetta Paparone; mother-in-law Grace Gilbride; his aunt Cona Paparone; and dear cousins Basil and Theresa Paparone. He is survived by his wife Peggy; his daughter Lisa; and son Joe and daughter-in-law Lesley. He is also survived by his beloved siblings; Mary, Theresa, Dr. Basil and Kathy Paparone; Drs. Philip and Pam Paparone as well as his extended family Suzanne and George Swank; Capt. Arne Johnson; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends and students. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Joe at 11:00am Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Michaels Church 10 North Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City (parking in rear of church off Georgia Avenue). A private interment will follow at the Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville. Arrangements by the Gormley Funeral Home LLC, AC. (gormleyfuneralhomellc.com).