Donald J Paonessa

Donald J. Paonessa of Tombstone Arizona, passed away May 9,2017 after a brief illness. Don, age 77, grew up in Akron Ohio and attended Hoban High School.

The Free Spirit that Don was, brought him to Tombstone Arizona where he was affectionately known as "The Wizard" for his artistic and beautiful handmade work in Western Jewelry. Don, with his wife Kathy, owned and operated the Wizard's Work Shop located in historic Tombstone Arizona for over 43 years. Don prided himself in his work with Turquoise, Azurite, Fire Agate and Malachite which he would mine, cut, set, shape and polish to create some of the finest handmade jewelry in the area. Together Don and Kathy would make and ship their creations of jewelry to customers all over the United States and many other countries.

Don was preceded in death by his father Alfred A. Paonessa, mother, Amy Palmisano-Paonessa, mother-in-law, and Father-in-law Kate and Walter Wagner. Don will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Kathy, daughter Kathy Spangler of Benson Arizona, son Anthony (Katie) Paonessa of Tallmadge Ohio: brothers, Ralph (Nanci) Paonessa, Alfred (Isabella) Paonessa of Kent Ohio: grandchildren, Brandon Spangler of Flagstaff Arizona, Anthony, Justin, Vito, Sophia, Vivianna Paonessa, of Tallmadge Ohio and Michael (Sydney) Billingsley of Columbus Ohio: also great grand children, Ella and Elizabeth Billingsley. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and Aunts Helen Vitale, Sylvia Palmisano, Vera Calcagno, and Julie Paonessa.

Cremation has taken place at Jensen's Sierra Vista Mortuary.

Memorial services will take place in Akron Ohio.

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