Obituary of Cosimo M. Paone, OD

Dr. Cosimo M. Paone, age 84, died on Friday December 3, 2010 at King James Care Center in Chatham after a brief illness. Cosimo was born September 11, 1926 in Staten Island, New York to the late Herman and Virginia Paone and grew up with a younger sister Rosemary. He attended Curtis High School in Staten Island, New York, where he starred on the track team, and graduated from Eron Preparatory School in New York, New York. He served in the Naval Air Force during World War II. After his military service, he attended college at Rutgers University and the University of Maryland before graduating from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1953 with a Doctor of Optometry degree. He began practicing optometry in New Providence and then moved his practice to Berkeley Heights where he continued his practice for 43 years. Cosimo married Louise Kopecky on July 10, 1954. They lived in Berkeley Heights for 33 years before moving to Warren 22 years ago. He was active in numerous organizations. He served as Treasurer of the American Optometric Association, twice served as President of the New Providence-Berkeley Heights Lions Club and was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Old Guard of Summit. He is a lifetime member of the Illinois College of Optometry Alumni Association. Cosimo served as a coach for P.A.L. baseball and basketball for over 12 years. He enjoyed his family, golf, investing and travel, having traveled to all 50 states and more than 50 foreign countries on 6 continents. He was predeceased by his wife Louise in 2009 and by his daughter Karen in 2007. Surviving are his sons, Michael Paone and his wife Barbara of Berkeley Heights, Mark Paone of New York, NY and Bruce Paone of Chicago, IL; one sister, Rosemary Abati of Staten Island, NY and 2 grandchildren, Robert and Courtney. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mount R.C. Church, 167 Mount Bethel Road, Warren. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge. . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made in the name of Dr. Cosimo Paone to the Illinois College of Optometry, Make a Gift, 3241 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.