Juanita Paunetto was an only child born to Estella Armstrong and Johnny B. Moore. She graduated from McKee High School on Staten Island in 1954 and enjoyed playing basketball on the High School team. She also took a cosmetology class and fancied doing make up. She continued her education at the College of Staten Island and Hunter College where she received her bachelor’s degree and became a registered nurse and was the first in her family to graduate from college.

She also enjoyed entertaining and cooking large meals for her family and friends at home. She went to the Palladium Ballroom in Manhattan and met her husband, Carlos E. Paunetto, who was in the Navy and fell in love instantly. They got married and had five children. She also enjoyed real estate, going to open houses, and going to auctions and bidding for antiques.

Juanita was predeceased by her late husband, Carlos E. Paunetto, her son Tony, daughter Tracie and grandson Jatiek Hewitt. She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her daughters Tania and Tahlia, her son Todd, as well as, 15 grandchildren: Dominik, Taina, , Jermaine, Angelo, Joseph, Sade, Denzel, Vanessa, Jaleel, David, Jahawd, Justin, Shay’la, Jorden and Joshua and her son-in-law Donovan Hewitt.

Juanita was a hard worker and retired from Seaview Rehabilitation Nursing home after 20 years of service. She had a funny sense of humor. She loved to laugh, shop and travel. She will be dearly missed by all.

Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Wednesday, from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. A Funeral Service is scheduled on Wednesday at 7:30 pm, at the funeral home. A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, at 9:30 am, at Silver Mount Cemetery.