Richard "Monk" J. Paone, age 90, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026. Richard was born on May 2, 1935 in Canton to the late Joseph Paone and Mary (Roman) Paone Morris. He was a 1953 graduate of Timken Vocational High School where he excelled in football and baseball. A U.S. Army veteran, he played football in the service for the Fort Hood Tankers.

He attended Ohio University where he met his best friend and wife of 60 years, Loretta Teets, who passed away in 2017. He worked 25 years for Canton City Government plus four years for Stark County Government before retiring. He played softball and volleyball in the local leagues for many years. Richard was elected to the Slow Pitch, the Canton Fumbleball, and the Boys Club Halls of Fame. He was an avid golfer and played numerous years in the Esber's and Alcar's golf leagues. He was past president of the American Italian Golf Association. Also, he was a member of the American Legion Post #44. He enjoyed gardening, winemaking and going on long car rides with his wife.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers Ronald and Robert Paone. Richard is survived by sons Ronald M. (Tammy), Richard A. (Claudia), and Russell T. (Karen), nine grandchildren; Amelia (Michael) Edmunds, Olivia (Kyle)

Barnes, Anthony (Rachel) Paone, Jason (Christina) Paone, Amanda Paone, Sarah (John) Norton, Brittany (Ryan) Napier of Columbus, Brooke (Matthew) Johnson of Chicago, Stephan (Lisa) Sexton, and 18 great grandchildren and nephews. Special thanks to Marie Meola, a kind and loving companion to our father. She has a heart of gold.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 13th  from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rossi Family Funeral Home. Services to begin at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

ROSSI (330) 492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com