Carl Paganelli Sr.

Carl T. Paganelli, age 82, of Wyoming, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus Christ while surrounded by his wife and sons on Tuesday May 21st, 2019 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Caesar and Josephine Paganelli, daughters-in-law, Christine and Cathy Paganelli, sister and brother-in-law Geraldine (Paganelli) Harris and Jack Harris.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Mary; sons, Perry, Carl and Dino; grandchildren, Carley Marie (Justin) Kristich, Crysta Paganelli, Brady, Jake, and Katelyn Paganelli, brother, Robert “Butch” (Connie) Paganelli, sister, Linda (James) Kozlowski.  Carl was a soft spoken, warm, loving, caring husband, father, and grandfather. He was devoted to his Catholic faith, attending and supporting Our Lady of Sorrows and St. John Vianney Catholic Churches. He lived a selfless life always giving back to others. Carl was referred to as the “godfather of Grand Rapids area officials” and was part of the West Michigan Officials Association for nearly 60 years. His on-field tenure included time with the USFL, World Football League and Arena Football League. He was the supervisor of officiating for the Arena Football League, Mid American Football Conference and the XFL. Carl was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame and was also inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and in 2018 with his three sons.  Carl consulted and mentored many European officials, including the Italian Football Federation. He officiated high school, small college, USFL and World League of American Football. Countless NFL officials over the years have credited the Paganelli patriarch for his guidance, mentoring and leadership. Carl worked for many years at Consumers Power Co., Reynolds and Brown Sporting Goods, and Jones Sporting Goods. He also served his community by serving on the Wyoming City Council. He brought a stabilizing, common sense approach to city government. Carl valiantly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. He was, most of all, a supporter and mentor of young people who were involved in youth athletics. He was always involved in family athletic events, supporting, mentoring, and quietly cheering them on. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, with Rev. John Vallier and Rev. Ted Kozlowski presiding.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 1-4 pm and 6-9 pm at the church, with a Rosary at 8 pm. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Carl’s memory can donate to Grand Rapids Community College “Paganelli” Foundation or Aquinas College Athletic Department, Christy Paganelli-Jaklinski Scholarship.