Michael Rocco DiPaolo, Sr., 81, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2026, at his home in North Plainfield.

Born and raised in Plainfield, NJ, to the late James and Mary DiPaolo, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. right after High School where he received the National Defense Service Medal among other medals, before his Honorable Discharge in 1966.

Not long after his discharge, Michael began his career with the United States Postal Service. For over 30 years, he worked as a Letter Carrier in Plainfield, before retiring in 2002. While with the USPS, he also served as the Plainfield Credit Union Treasurer for over 20 Years.

Outside of work, Michael was an avid reader, history buff and enjoyed listening to country music. He read all books, but especially westerns and mysteries. He could also often be found watching a war movie or John Wayne films.

Above all else, family is what meant the most to Michael. After the passing of his father and eldest brother, Jimmy, he took on the role of the Family Patriarch. With family as an important part of his life, it was his grandchildren that trumped everyone else. They were the highlight of his life, and the moments spent with them were ones he held closest to his heart.

Predeceased by his parents, and brothers, Jimmy, Nicky, and Dom, Michael will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Prudence (Lemmo) DiPaolo, daughter Lucille Nodes and son, Michael DiPaolo, Jr. and his wife Mary Jo. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Richard, Ashley, Johnny, Arianna, Isabella, Michael, Nicholas, and Sienna; great grandchildren, Gabriella and Zion; and brothers, Tommy and Danny, as well as a host of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 12 PM to 3:30 PM.

A prayer service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday. February 7, 2026, at 3:30 PM, followed by Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the DiPaolo Family has requested that donations be made to Shriners Children’s and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Michael’s name.