Carlo Vittorio Paoletti

Carlo Vittorio Paoletti, Vietnam War veteran, loving father, grandfather and car enthusiast was born Dec. 1, 1946, and passed away Nov. 15, 2025, at age 78.
Survived by his brother, Tito Paoletti, 83; daughter, Lisa Paoletti of St. John, USVI; son, Romano Paoletti of Clear Lake, Mich.; daughter, Amanda Wheeler (John) and her children Lyric Rose and Canyon Walker of Ada, Mich.
Paoletti was preceded in death by his parents, Geremia and Anna Rosa Paoletti; brothers, Ralph G. Paoletti and Romano Paoletti. 
He was the youngest son and immigrated from Italy to the United States with his family at the age of eight years old. He was drafted and proudly served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Later joining the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, he was given the road name “Dago” in honor of his Italian heritage. 
He lived in Pierce City from 2001 until the time of his death. Previously he lived in Romeo, Mich. where he worked at the Ford Michigan Proving Grounds and made many lifelong friends. 
Paoletti was a true-blue Ford man and particularly loved the models from 1955. Working on cars, being in the garage and swapping stories with his buddies was the biggest joy of his life. In his retirement he enjoyed collecting, selling, trading, and renovating cars with beautiful craftsmanship and care. He was full of integrity, quick to smile and quick to lend a hand. He is loved and will be remembered and missed by many friends and family. 
A visitation was from 10-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, with a memorial service following at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be held at a later date at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield.
Memorial donations can be made through the Cox Health Auxiliary attention: Makesha Davis, 3801 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65807.  The Auxiliary supports many meaningful programs, including our sewing and quilting efforts, nursing scholarships, Children’s Miracle Network, sleep sacks for newborns, and the Never Shake a Baby program. They are also able to take credit card donations by phone at 417-269-4169.
Online condolences may be shared at www.CraftonCantrellFuneralHome.com.