Barbara Paonessa

She was the youngest daughter of the union of two immigrant families. After falling in love and marrying Ralph Paonessa in her early 20’s, there were married and had 2 boys. She lost her father in a tragic boat accident, and her only sister Dolorse and many members of her family were also seriously injured in the explosion. Once her sons were in school, she earned her undergraduate and master’s college degrees by attending night school at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She had a distinguished career in education beginning as a typing teacher then a career guidance counselor before ultimately becoming an administrator.

She served as principal of Southside Fundamental Middle School and Tyrone Middle School before finishing off her career leading Boca Ciega High School for 17 years. As one of the first women to serve as a public high school principal in Pinellas County, she transformed the schools she led, improving academic achievement, graduation rates, and opportunities for students. Her leadership helped establish innovative programs, including Boca Ciega’s medical magnet program.

Leadership came naturally to her. Whether running a school, serving on the board of Palms of Pasadena Hospital, or being active in Rotary, or acting as foreperson of a grand jury, or running an hurricane evacuation center, she had a remarkable ability to step into any situation and do what she could to make it better.

She was equally devoted to her family. Despite the demands of an extraordinary career, she was always a mother first. She was the family’s lifelong matriarch, the creator of spectacular Christmases, and the force that kept her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren close. She remained active, social, and committed to her health throughout her life. She knew nearly everyone, attended nearly everything, and was loved for her genuine interest in others.

She treated everyone she encountered with warmth and kindness. Even as dementia gradually changed her life, her gracious spirit endured.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Ralph Paonessa.

She is survived by her sons, Ralph Paonessa and Jeff Paonessa; her grandchildren, Joseph Paonessa, Brandon Paonessa, and Michael Paonessa; her great-grandchildren, Kendall, Kyle, Amelia, and Ava; family members Cynthia Paonessa, Alan Gordon, Sarah Paonessa, and Emily Paonessa; and her longtime companion of 20 years, Nick Malnick.

Her family is deeply grateful to Nick and to her devoted caregiver Nina, and to the many friends whose companionship and care allowed Barbara to remain peacefully in the home she loved.

Her accomplishments were substantial, but her greatest legacy is found in the family she left behind, the schools she transformed, and the countless people who were made better by knowing her.

In Memory of Barbara Paonessa - Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame, Inc.

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