Paul Nieto, age 70 years, of the Stanton section of Readington Township, NJ, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at his home and farm, “Posada San Francisco”, under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice and surrounded by his loving and devoted family with whom he celebrated his birthday this past Sunday with a party that will forever be inscribed on the hearts of all who attended.

Born in Cuzco, Peru, January 14, 1948, son of the late Jose Angel Nieto Pacheco and the late  Bertha Holguin de Nieto, Paul had moved to Lima at the age of fifteen. He emigrated to the United States on January 14, 1970 and had first resided in Rahway, NJ, then in Warren Township, Somerset County, NJ and had resided in Readington Township since 1996.

Paul was the retired General Manager for Ideal Dairy Farms, now part of the Dean Foods family. For many years he worked tirelessly to help make his work not only rewarding and fun for him, but for all those with whom he worked. He never thought he was better than anyone; from Drivers to Executives, Paul was known as the “go-to guy” who would listen and simply be a friend. He would offer advice when called for, physical and other assistance when required, but most of all he provided a humble wisdom that made one feel at ease. He retired in 2012.

When reflecting on Paul’s life and legacy, he would want to be remembered as a man who never forgot where he came from. He believed in simple values of working hard, respect, loyalty and love, and most importantly, in the strong bond of family. He instilled in his sons and granddaughters these same values and all recall their fondest memories are doing things as a family. From birthday parties to horseback riding, from dancing in a restaurant to going on a dairy delivery, everything was memorable because Paul was always present with a love that permeated into whatever was going on.

Those who knew Paul, understood that he always wanted to pay it forward and believed that each day one could be a better person by being kind to someone. Again, a simple but important foundation that he leaves for all to cherish and act upon. The family would like to thank all those who have stood by and supported Paul over the last seven years as Alzheimer’s slowly robbed him of precious memories. To those people who acted as Paul would, whatever the assistance that was provided, please know how appreciated it will always be by the entire Nieto family. Through it all, Paul was consistently trying to be strong for his family and even at his last birthday, he showed an understanding when seeing his granddaughters and smiling. That is something that Alzheimer’s can never, ever take away.

In the summer of 1970, Paul was attending a dance where he met Monica DiBenedetto; she, studying Spanish at the time, struck up an conversation and five months later, on December 27, 1970, the two were married in St. Mark’s Church, Rahway, NJ. They had a marriage based on mutual love and respect and one that flourished no matter what obstacle was placed in front of them. They traveled the world, raised two wonderful boys and finally settled onto their haven, “Posada San Francisco”, where they had a menagerie of animals for their granddaughters to play with. From horses to goats, dogs to chickens, there was always something going on at the farm. As Monica said, “It was forty-seven wonderful years.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-sister, Rosa Nieto Luna.

Surviving are his wife, Monica Nieto; two sons, Michael Angel Nieto of Fort Lee, VA and Matthew Mark Nieto of Readington Township, NJ; two granddaughters, Lena Sophia Nieto and Madison Angel Nieto; five siblings, Cesar Nieto, Carlos Nieto, Carmen Lopez, Javier Nieto and Marco Antonio Nieto; an abundance of nieces, nephews and cousins; and many dear friends and colleagues.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Walter Wilktorek will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Magdalen De Pazzi Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822 under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the Church on Saturday morning.

Commital prayers will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Ewing Crematory, 78 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628.

Paul will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. where family and friends are invited to help celebrate the life of this faithful and kindhearted soul.

Please visit Paul’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave a public or private message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as to share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in his memory and honor are asked to do so to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 to help find a cure for this disease and support those who are currently in need of assistance.

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned and operated “Life Celebration Home”