Fausto Paonessa

Fountain Valley — Fausto Paonessa, 80, surrounded by his wife and four children, went to his heavenly home on April 19, 2022. Fausto is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Maria “Pina” Paonessa; loving father of Grace (Tim) Kolb, Rose (Todd) Bowen, Michael Paonessa and Francesco (Jillian) Paonessa; adoring Nonno of Amanda, Nicole, Angela, Vincent, Aleck, Gabriella, Claire and Sydney. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Born in Gimigliano, Italy, Fausto was the son of the late Grazia and Michele Paonessa. His life is a testament to the American Dream and he succeeded beyond what many may have considered possible. Fausto immigrated to New York in 1962 and worked as a construction laborer with Albany’s Laborers Local 190 for 21 years. When Fausto moved his family to Southern California in 1986, he joined Laborers Local 802 and continued to work in the construction industry until he retired in 2003. Fausto enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, picnics at parks and Laguna Beach with family, growing his own fruits and vegetables, the tradition of picking tomatoes and making sauce, making wine and taking morning walks in his Fountain Valley neighborhood. Viewing and rosary prayer will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heritage-Dilday Funeral Home, 17911 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Catholic funeral mass will take place on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 17270 Ward St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Internment, Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Fausto in a special way may donate to UCI School of Medicine - Urology Technology Enhancement Fund.