Judith Paparelli

Judith Marie Paparelli, Radio and Television Broadcaster, Interviewer and Public Speaker, died of pneumonia in Palm Beach, FL, January 2, 2023, at the age of 68. Judi was born in Yonkers, NY. Her family relocated to Patchogue, NY on Long Island when Judi was young where she attended grade school, middle school, and high school. She was President of her high school class and attended college in the Boston area, graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in Medford, MA in 1975.

Judi went into Broadcasting which took her to several different cities early in her career. She fell in love with Boston where her Broadcast talents made her a household name and went on to host a nationally syndicated radio show of her own where she interviewed author Russell Dynda, whom she later married. They relocated to Los Angeles for several years and eventually purchased a home on the Oregon coast just before Russ passed away. Judi lived there for four years before recently relocating to Palm Beach, FL to spend time with her father who turned 100 in 2021. She passed away six months after he did.

Judi lived life to the fullest, expressing gratitude for every day. Her talents were endless – she coupled her Broadcast proficiencies with a love of photography (shared with her late husband Russ), writing poetry, reading, and jogging along the beach. Judi was known for her charismatic personality that lit up every room she entered, a wit that was hard to keep up with, and a laugh that was infectious. Judi did news and traffic on-air along with her “Judiworld” national radio talk-show for the Talk America Radio Network but was most proud of bringing the Traffic Watch on-air traffic reporting system that she had developed to Boston radio - which has since served as the model for on-air traffic reporting across the country. She was recognized by proclamation from the Mayor of Boston, Governor of Massachusetts, and the U.S. Department of Transportation for her contribution to facilitate effective communication between local officials, state officials, national transportation officials, and law enforcement. Judi had traveled the world as a Broadcaster, bringing world class events to life through her words. In her early days in Charleston, SC radio, Judi was chosen as Charleston’s “Young Career Woman”. As her Broadcast career matured, she was chosen to be part of an eight-member radio delegation from across the country to broadcast back to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia, she reported “live” from the Republican and Democratic conventions and presidential inaugurations, she was chosen to carry the Olympic torch for the city of Boston, she reported from the historic Tall Ships in Boston Harbor, and covered the Boston marathon regularly. Judi had lived on both coasts and loved to travel. She traveled extensively for seven years exploring the Pacific Coast with her husband Russ, during which she documented and photographed the natural wonders along the coast to compile into (a soon to be) published coffee table book. The book contains vibrant photographs which focuses on the beautiful scenery that the West Coast offers and was dedicated to her beloved father and the first hard copy was presented to her father, Joseph Paparelli in his honor, on his 100th Birthday.

Judi was spiritual in nature and believed we all have a divine purpose. She believed there was a reason for everything, that life happened the way it was supposed to happen, and the universe would provide her with the guidance and protection she needed throughout her life. Judi was generous beyond measure, and never sought recognition for her thoughtfulness. Her upbeat personality and kind nature made her memorable throughout her life and will continue to make her memorable in her final transitional chapter now.

Judi is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Immaculate Paparelli and two brothers, Anthony and Joseph.

She is survived by her brother, Ronald Paparelli; a sister, Deborah Paparelli; nephews, Patrick Paparelli, Lawrence Minton, Jr., and Mike Santillo; a niece, Christin Santillo and grandniece, Isabella Santillo.

In keeping with Judi’s wishes and private nature, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital devoted to helping young cancer victims and their families at stjude.org; a charity near and dear to Judi’s heart.