Paula Presutti

Paula Presutti, a lifelong Staten Islander, passed away on July 13, 2020 after experiencing a heart attack.  Paula had a very long and satisfying career in education. She received multiple degrees from CUNY, Wagner College and Pace University.  Paula retired as a special education teacher with the NYC Dept of Education; beginning her teaching career in the 70’s in the Bronx, and took a several year position as Acting Asst. Principal at John Jay H.S. in Brooklyn.  In the eighties to the nineties, eventually working with special needs teens as a teacher and Education Evaluator in Manhattan City As School Program.  She placed and visited students in jobs all over the city and helped them achieve high school diplomas.  

Paula was a member of the Vanderbilt Avenue Moravian Church for over 50 years.  Paula had an absolute true dedication to her Church and passion for outreach ministries.  She served the Church for many years as an Elder, Youth Fellowship Leader, was involved with many camps, including Camp Hope in PA.  She was a member of the Coffee House Ministries, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher/director.  She was on the Building Committee, a member of the Gregor Chorale; and has represented the Moravian Eastern District on Education and Evangelism Commissions in Bethlehem, Pa.  Together with the three other Staten Island Moravian Churches, Vanderbilt’s monthly community dinners served thousands of meals to those in need for the past ten years.  Paula saw her stewardship as an essential part of her Christian Walk.

Paula enjoyed spending time with family, reading, attending theatre and dance performances, traveling and was a great cook.   She is predeceased by her father, Armond Presutti; and recently lived with and cared for her mother, Anna Presutti until she passed away.

Paula is survived by her three sisters, Debra LaRocca, Diana Presutti and Nora Presutti, as well as, brother in laws Anthony LaRocca along with his mother, Jean LaRocca and Doug Barr.  She was the very proud aunt to Nicholas Fevelo and wife Alma Benussi, Steven LaRocca and wife Emily LaRocca, Cassandra Fevelo and husband Andres Jimenez Wolf, Paul LaRocca, Catherine LaRocca and fiancée Michael Cristiano. She adored her great nephew and nieces Miles, Quinn, Rose, Luna and Neve.

Paula truly was a wonderful individual. All who knew her will miss her warmth, humor and enduring kindness.

Family and Friends will be received at the Martin Hughes Funeral Home, 530 Narrows Road South, Staten Island, NY, Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Committal will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vanderbilt Avenue Moravian Church, c/o Mr. Ian Moe, Treasurer 165 Skyline Dr. SI, NY 10304.

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