Vincent Joseph Paolillo "Dr. P"
October 24, 1942 – September 8, 2025

Vincent Joseph Paolillo, 82, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025, at Mosaic Life Care, surrounded by family.

Vince was born October 24, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Joseph and Anna (Fusco) Paolillo. The family later moved to Saint Joseph, where he graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960. He went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri–Columbia, receiving a Master of Arts in Education in 1967, an Educational Specialist degree in 1978, and a Doctor of Educational Administration in 1982.

On July 25, 1969, Vince married Jennifer (Adams) Paolillo, and together they raised six children: Alecia, Anthony, Andrew, Adam, Alex, and Alison.

Vince devoted more than 40 years to the Saint Joseph School District. He began his career as a history teacher, later served as a middle school principal for many years, and finished his tenure as Director of Secondary Education. After retiring from the district in 2004, he continued his work in education at William Woods University as the Director of Graduate and Adult Studies from 2006 to 2011.

He loved the simple joys of life—spending time with family, cheering on his favorite sports teams, sitting on his front porch, and playing solitaire. Vince will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and love of music.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, of Saint Joseph, Missouri; daughter Alecia (late Ron) of Mountain Home, Arkansas; sons Anthony (Rachel) of Platte City, Missouri, Andrew (Lillian), Adam (Theresa), Alex (Emily), and daughter Alison (Jordan), all of Saint Joseph. He also leaves behind his grandchildren—Kaitlin, Ryan, Lydia, Alena, Ava, Addison, Lucy, Vincent, Tallulah, McKinley, and Nora; great-grandchild Teigann; brothers Robert (Tamra) Paolillo and Gary (Barbara) Paolillo; nieces Danielle (Ben) Paolillo-Hancock, Ashley (Mike) Paolillo-Luedtke, Tori (David) Paolillo-Vestal, and Casi (Doug) Paolillo-Boyd; great-nieces and nephews Charlotte, Aubrey, Oliver, and Josie; and brother-in-law Scott Adams.

Services:

● Visitation: Monday, September 15, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel.

● Liturgy of the Word: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Francis Xavier, beginning with the rosary.

In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions can be made to either Catholic Charities or St. Jude's.