Paul Figgiani of Great Kills passed away on Monday April 26, 2021 at Staten Island University Hospital. He was 88.
Paul was born in 1932 in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. He was raised by his parents Paul Sr. and Anna Figgiani. He was one of three boys.
Paul was a natural born cartoonist, athlete, and musician. He became a skilled butcher, compassionate husband, business owner, security guard, generous father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met.
In 1951 Paul (nicknamed “Sonny” by his adored grandmother) was scouted as a pitcher by the then NY Giants baseball team. He signed a minor league contract and reported to Sanford Florida for training. Eventually his love for his hometown and family led him back to NYC where he enrolled In Food Trades Vocational High School, Manhattan where he honed his skills as a meat cutter.
In 1959 Paul married Helen Tumminello. The couple relocated to Staten Island and Paul eventually opened S&F Meat Market in Great Kills. Their marriage spanned 53 years and they raised 5 children.
The latter years of Paul’s career as a butcher were spent working for C Town, Queens NY. After retirement as a butcher Paul served many years as a security guard for Staten Island University Hospital. He embraced this new line of work and was recognized multiple times with awards for professionalism, kindness, and dedication to his job.
Due to his wife Helen’s illness Paul retired for good and became her dedicated and compassionate caregiver until her sad passing in 2012.
Throughout his busy life Paul always made time for softball on Sundays. In his early 70’s he became a saxophonist and continued to play the instrument into his late 80’s.
For 88 1/2 years “Sonny” charmed every person he met with his welcoming smile, decency, and sense of humor. He was a dedicated father
to his surviving children, Paul, Teresa, Helenann, Michael, and Joseph. He adored his 5 grandchildren: Cheyenne, Melody, Nicholas, Mika, And Sora.
Though we mourn the loss of his physical presence - his strong, beautiful spirit will live on. He is back with his soul mate Helen and all his loved ones who have passed.
“Sonny the Butcher” will forever live in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Casey McCallum Rice South Shore Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Ave. Great Kills Staten Island on Thursday April 29 between 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM on Friday April 30th at St. Clare's Church - also located on Nelson Ave. Great Kills.
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