Pauline “Paula” Niesz, 73, of Middletown, passed away peacefully Nov. 17, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A loving wife, mother and Meema, Paula will be remembered for her joyful spirit, devotion to helping others and an unwavering love for her family.
Paula was born March 17, 1952, in Newark, to Stella and Paul Calafiore, and was also lovingly raised with the help of her aunt, Anna “Titsie” Sapia. Paula and her husband Peter married Oct. 14, 1977, at Sacred Heart Church in Newark. It was followed by a beautiful reception surrounded by friends and family at The Manor in West Orange.
They had two children together, Christopher and Michael.
Paula attended Kean University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, which previewed her long career in the profession, the vast majority of which was spent teaching special education at Thorne Middle School in Middletown. Paula also earned her master’s degree in special education from the University of Phoenix.
Paula’s life was shaped by her passion and love for her family. She devoted herself to supporting her sons in all their pursuits, both academic and athletic. True to her Italian roots, she had a boisterous voice and could always be so clearly heard yelling, “Go, Christopher!” or “Go, Michael!” from the stands of whatever athletic event her sons were participating in.
As she officially became a grandmother, there was no greater joy in her life than spending time with her grandchildren. After she retired, Paula was a part-time babysitter for her oldest grandchild, Henley, and rarely showed up without a new book or toy, eager to share it with her.
In her free time, Paula loved going to the beach with her family and friends. She spent many summers vacationing on both Long Beach Island and in Point Pleasant. Her spring and summer rituals included watching New York Yankees games, cheering them on with her husband. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas Eve, which, as tradition, was hosted by her cousin Maria and included a plentiful seven fishes dinner filled with laughter, full bellies and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed this year and in the years to come.
Paula was predeceased by her brother, Joseph.
She is survived by her husband, Peter; their two children, Christopher and Michael; daughters-in-law, Hillary and Sarah; grandchildren, Henley, Charlotte, Ben and Nolan; siblings, Santina Burns (Joseph), Michael Calafiore (Dorothy) and Frank Calafiore; and her cousin, Maria Calabria. Her family will cherish her memory and the love she shared with all who knew her.
Visitation was held Nov. 23 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A funeral service was held Nov. 24 at the funeral home. Burial was at Fair View Cemetery, Red Bank.
The article originally appeared in the December 4 – 10, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
