Charles “Chuck” Paoletti

Charles (Chuck) Paoletti of Mt. Lebanon (formerly Falls Church, VA) passed away on February 21, 2023, after a brief illness with beloved wife Betty, daughter Kathryn, and family at his side.

Chuck was born in McKeesport Hospital and grew up in the Wilson area of Clairton. He was the son of the late Leon and Theresa (Azzari) Paoletti. Chuck was a graduate of Clairton High School “Class of 1963” and went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania earning a BA with a concentration in economics. 

After serving with the U.S. Army, Chuck began his Federalcareer as a contracting intern with the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) serving as a contract specialist at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command and the Cincinnati Procurement Agency. In 1974, Chuck joined the Office of Naval Research (ONR). At ONR, he managed the Acquisition Department that was responsible for:  the award of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and Technology  Investment Agreements in support of the Department of Navy Science and Technology program; the administration of contracts, grants and agreements awarded to universities and nonprofit research organizations by the DoD, the military services and certain civilian agencies; the negotiation of indirect cost rates and audit resolution with assigned universities and nonprofi organizations for use by all Federal agencies. Chuck also served as the Navy’s senior civilian policy official for grants and agreements and represented DoD on major interagency policy initiatives including those chartered by the Office of Management and Budget and the National Science and Technology Council. He was a recognized leader in all aspects of Science and Technology business management with substantial personal involvement in the development of grant and agreements policies and processes within the Department of the Navy, the DoD and across the Federal Government. 

Throughout his 40 years with the government, he managed multiple offices across the country for ONR.  He was loved by his team and found so much joy in leading, developing and watching them succeed. As an independent contractor, he supported the DoD with consulting services and served as an instructor for DoD and VA courses.  Though he had much to boast about in his career, he remained humble and gracious, kind and generous.

Sweet, gentle, loving and one-of-a-kind, Chuck was a person that you could instantly connect with. So it is was no surprise when Chuck met Betty (m. Mruk) it was love at first sight….at least for him!  After only a short time, Betty was swayed by the suave gentleman with beautiful locks and surrendered to his gentle smile and charming words.  They were married in 1986and built a beautiful life together. 

Family was his life.  Chuck and Betty moved to Pittsburgh in late 2016 to be close to their daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Nickand the rest of Chuck’s family, after spending 31 years of married life in Falls Church, VA.  As an avid tennis player, Chuck was always excited when Kathryn agreed to hit the courts with him.  Chuck was eager to get started on training Rocco and Mia to carry on the tradition.

Chuck’s true happy places were at the beach with family, the many years (in Rock Creek Park, DC) watching tennis legends in action (best stay-cation ever), and watching the Steelers and Penguins with family and friends. Chuck will always be proud that Kathryn shared his love of sports and held her own when the boys try to show her up.  He was a fabulous cook who enjoyed grilling and gatherings to showcase his talents. The one thing he couldn’t replace that he enjoyed immensely, was his weekly tennis group in Falls Church, VA.  Instead of playing tennis in Pittsburgh, he enjoyed hanging with neighbors and the monthly get togethers with the “Unplugged” book club.

He is survived by his devoted wife Betty, daughter Kathryn (Nick) Heckathorn, sisters Mary Ann (the late Frank “Zeke”) Geletko of Clairton, Laura (the late Greg) Thaxton of Liberty Borough, and Christina “Tina” (Ron) Moog of Baldwin; as well as many special nieces and nephews. His brother John (the late Linda Miller) Paoletti proceeded him in death.  He will be missed by his amazing grandchildren, Mia and Rocco Heckathorn, who will be looking for that bluejay in the garden.

The family would like to say “thank you” to the dedicated doctors, nurses, respiratory therapist and aids at Allegheny General Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital – Alle Kiski for the wonderful care Chuck received.

Chuck will be greatly missed by family, friends, and by his cats, Big Al (Alfie), Sophia and Vinnie. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the Mario Lemieux Foundation or an animal rescue of your choice.

Family and friends welcome Friday, March 3, 2023 from 11:00am-1:00pm WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd. Scott Twp. 15220 where a funeral service will be held Friday 1:00pm. Burial to follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 2:00pm.

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