SHARON, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – Michael L. “Mickey” Paoletta, 77, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023, in his home.
Mr. Paoletta was born on July 18, 1946, in Sharon, a son of the late Marco A. Paoletta, Sr. and Jeannette (White) Paoletta Morreale.
He was a graduate of Sharon High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Youngstown State University. Mickey, affectionately known as “Shenango Valley’s Music Man,” also attended Edinboro University and returned with a drive to make quality music.
He brought back his first band, the “Fabulous Fantastics” a show band of pop and soul music. Mickey developed a thirst for high standards of music and entertainment. Later, he formed the bands: “The Whispers,” “The Jesters,” “Savannah” “Gallyboyz,” and the prize of his accomplishment “Menagerie.” With “Menagerie” they fulfilled three music contracts and performed countless concerts across the region. He developed from there a nightclub called “Club Menagerie” and a clothing store, “The Menagerie Boutique.” His music tenure allowed him to meet some of the music business’ top executives who loved Mickey’s quest for top-quality music.
All the while, he started a carpet business, working for residential and commercial accounts. He then found an interest and a profound passion for understanding the banking business, particularly the sections of foreclosure. Mickey became the foremost authority on preventative measures to stop foreclosures. He wrote several books on banking and traveled across the country giving speeches and educating people in every state.
He and his wife shared a love for animals. They provided a loving home for several pets and were featured in a story for saving a dog that was injured by a vehicle.
Throughout this all, Mickey never lost his quest for quality musical performances.
He is survived by his wife, the former Arlene Sobey, whom he married on June 14, 1969; his mother-in-law, Mary Sobey; six sisters, Jeanne (Frank) Gentile, Judy Lutz, Joyce (Rick) Restivo, Jody Zajac, Jeri (Jim) Hart and Jill (Cesar) Chacon and three brothers, Marc (Kathy) Paoletta, Robert (Sandie) Paoletta and Chris (Carol) Paoletta.
In addition to his parents, Mickey was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Gary Zajac and a sister-in-law, Lisa Paoletta.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to an animal charity of the donor’s choice.
Calling hours will be 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 4 in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State Street, Sharon and 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., until the time of the service, Thursday, October 5, in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3325 Morefield Road, Hermitage.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 5 in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermitage, with Rev. Dennis Blauser, pastor, officiating.
Interment will be in Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Hermitage.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
A television tribute will air Wednesday, October 4 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:21 p.m. on WYTV and 6:35 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
