PAULA E. BRAIN Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE IN PAULA'S NAME TO: AMERICAN LEGION POST 423 LADIES AUXILIARY 28 LEGION ROAD OAK RIDGE, NEW JERSEY 07438 VISITATION: FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022 2PM TO 4PM AND 7PM TO 9PM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME PRAYER SERVICE: FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022 8PM STICKLE-SOLTESZ FUNERAL HOME PRIVATE FINAL DISPOSITION Paula E. Brain (nee Vitacco) of Jefferson Township, N.J., passed away on June 21, 2022, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Cherished wife, big sister and beloved aunt, Paula is survived by her husband, Larry Brain, stepson, Michael Brain and his partner Nicole. She is also survived by her sister, Amelia Duggan, of Ridgewood, N.J., her husband William and three nieces, Katherine, Haley and Molly; her brother Patrick Vitacco of Cape Coral, Fla., and his wife Stacey; and her sister, Maria Romito of Ashburn, V.A., and her husband Anthony and children Evan and Elizabeth. She is also survived by rescue dog, Tia, whom she adored. Paula was predeceased by her father George Vitacco; her mother Elizabeth Vitacco; her sister Carla Vitacco; and her sister, Laura Vitacco. Paula had an adventurous spirit. Whether riding a mule train to explore the base of the Grand Canyon or conquering the cobblestone pathways to the villages of Santorini in Greece, Paula loved the outdoors. Paula also loved the bright sunshine, spending endless hours by the pool in her backyard oasis. She was equally at home at the beach, where she rode the waves of the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, the Gulf Coast of Florida and the Caribbean. In addition to her love of the sea was her love for a song. She was a consummate karaoke singer, known to belt out Broadway or Patsy Cline. With a professional career that spanned more than 40 years, Paula served as an executive assistant on many A-List brands including Mercedes-Benz of North America, Escada, Liz Claiborne, M&M Mars, The Valley Hospital and Provident Savings Bank. She served as the right hand of many top-notch CEOs. In addition to her employment, she served for many years as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 423 in Oak Ridge, N.J., supporting the work of her husband, who served as commander. Born on an air force base in Pensacola, Fla., Paula grew up in Paramus, N.J. and was a graduate of Paramus Catholic High School. She attended Rider University, Ramapo College and Berkley College. Above all, Paula loved her family. She felt a strong sense of responsibility to protect her younger siblings after the passing of her father and was the trailblazer of the family as the first born. She was well loved and will be missed for her humor, her grit, and most of all, for her loving heart. A prayer service for Paula will be held at Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 La Rue Road, Newfoundland, N.J. on Fri., June 24 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with a prayer service at 8 p.m.

PAULA E. BRAIN

August 29, 1956 - June 21, 2022