Obituary of James Peter Paladino

James (Jim) Peter Paladino of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 20, 2025, at the age of 60.

The youngest of three children, James was born on April 26, 1965, in New Rochelle, NY, to Thomas and Maureen Paladino. He grew up in Newcastle, PA, graduating from St. Vincent College in PA with a degree in Economics, followed by an MBA at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He worked in finance for over 40 years, where he was known for his personability and his leadership skills.

Jim met the love of his life, Rowan Broughton, at the Far Hills Hunt in 1993 – a Kiwi from New Zealand, Rowan was nannying for Jim's cousin in New Jersey. They were married in NZ on December 28, 1996, the same date as his parents' wedding. They built a beautiful life together, starting in NYC and Hoboken, where Isabella, Grant & Griffin were born. A very special place came into their lives in April 2006 when they purchased a lake house in beautiful Lake Naomi in the Poconos, PA. The family spent amazing days there walking, fishing, sailing, sitting on the beach watching sunsets, and skiing in the winter – a true family paradise! They moved to Fairfield in 2011, where they built a beautiful life for their family, which was filled with great friends, lots of sports, Christmas tree tailgates, and lots of festivities at their home to celebrate holidays with family and friends. Their door was always open, and their house was always full of overnight guests and lots of laughs. Jim was an accomplished pianist, comfortably sitting down at the piano to fill the house with music and joy. The Paladinos have so many friends from all of these special places – Hoboken, Lake Naomi & Fairfield.

Jim was known for his ability to connect with others and foster community. He was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure of getting to know him. Jim was a loving husband and father that loved his wife and kids limitlessly. If he wasn't working, he would be spending time with his family, attending his daughters' events or playing golf with his son.

Jim was an amazing golfer being the son of two professional golfers, but he was an even better golf instructor. He loved to spread his love of the game with others. The lessons he learned through golf carried over to his strengths as a father and friend. He was a man of love, patience, integrity and honesty, respect, great intellect and curiosity.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Rowan Broughton, and their 3 beautiful children: Isabella (23), Grant (21), and Griffin (18). He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Paladino; his sister-in-law, Nita Kasan; and his three brothers-in-law, Mark, Warwic,k and Evan Broughton of New Zealand; and many nieces and nephews across the US and New Zealand. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Thomas & Maureen Paladino, and his brother, Tommy Paladino.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 11 am at St Pius X Church in Fairfield, CT, with a Gathering of Remembrance to follow at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Paladino Children’s Scholarship Fund, c/o Beth Peto, 499 Queens Grant Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824. 

For travel directions or to leave James an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.