Michele "Micky" M. (Murphy) Papaleo

Little Falls - Michele M. “Micky” Papaleo, 83, a longtime Little Falls resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born on January 30, 1942, in Little Falls, the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Gorinshek) Murphy. Micky was a graduate of Mohawk High School.

Her marriage to James Papaleo took place on January 27, 1962, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk, NY, by the late Father Adams.

For many years, Micky was employed as a school lunch monitor at Benton Hall Elementary School in Little Falls, NY. She was a devoted Catholic and a longtime member of Holy Family Parish in Little Falls, NY.

Micky’s life was centered around her family proving herself a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed the quality time she spent with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, James; her children, Jamie Papaleo, Christopher Papaleo, and Michelle Peruzzi and husband Al; her grandchildren; Andrew Papaleo, Aaron Papaleo, Meghan Lonis and husband Jesse, Alyssa Papaleo - Hight and husband Travis, Hayley Peruzzi and Makenna Peruzzi; her great grandchildren,  Alex Papaleo, Harley Lonis, Myla Lonis, Evelyn Lonis, Michelina Hight and Mason Hight; a sister, Kathy Visconti; in-laws, John “Hap” Papaleo and Annette Boslet and husband William; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters; Bobbie Gilbo and husband John and Frances Scanlon and husband William, a brother, William Murphy, her mother and father in-law, Peter and Michilena Papaleo; a sister-in-law, Mary Catherine Papaleo and a brother-in-law, Anthony Visconti.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am at Holy Family Parish, corner of Main & John Streets, Little Falls, NY, with Reverend Brian Slezak, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to these four special Hospice nurses, Cheryl, Tiahna, Ashley and Cari for all their love that was shown to Micky and her family, and a special thank you to Donna Lyzenga and Deanna Barnes for all their support. 

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