Paulette Marie Price (Regulbuto), age 82, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on February 15, 2026, in Fern Park, Florida.
Paulette was born on July 17, 1943, in Waterbury, Connecticut, while her parents, Anthony Regulbuto and Rosalie (Calcagno), were visiting relatives. She was raised in Oneida, New York, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Oneida High School in 1961 and went on to work in administrative roles for numerous physicians.
In 1975, she married the love of her life, F. William Price ("Bill"), and they shared 39 wonderful years of marriage. They settled in Syracuse, New York, where Bill took ownership of the Welter-Price Funeral Home as they began raising their family.
Paulette was, first and foremost, a devoted homemaker who took immense pride in caring for her home. Whether tending to her yard, shaping hedges, maintaining the pool, or nurturing the flowers that surrounded it, she found joy outdoors. When inside, she expressed her creativity through cooking, baking, and crafting. Paulette was a talented card maker, and those fortunate enough to receive one of her creations knew how special her personal touch made them.
As her children grew, Paulette was deeply involved in their lives. She volunteered at school, attended field trips, supported the PTA, and served as a Girl Scout troop leader. She also earned her cosmetology license and used her skills to help the elderly and homebound, ensuring they could feel cared for and confident.
Paulette was kind-hearted and generous—the kind of neighbor everyone hopes for. She would give you the shirt off her back or deliver a tray of homemade cookies at Christmas. As her children entered high school and later left for college, she returned to the workforce at Eye Consultants of Syracuse, where she remained until her retirement.
After the passing of her beloved husband Bill in April 2014, Paulette relocated to Winter Springs, Florida, to be closer to her daughter and soon-to-be first grandchild. She spent 11 meaningful years in Florida, building friendships and creating cherished memories with her three grandchildren.
In February 2025, Paulette was unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia. The final year of her life was marked by hospital stays, countless transfusions, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. To her family, she will always be remembered as the bravest, strongest, and most resilient fighter. She never gave up or backed down. She persevered through failed treatments, advocated for herself when necessary, and maintained an unwavering spirit until the very end.
Although this diagnosis took her from us too soon, Paulette will not be defined by cancer. In the end, cancer did not win—Paulette did. She chose her path, fought for every moment, and defied every expectation placed before her.
Paulette is survived by her two children, William R. Price II ("Billy") of Syracuse, New York, and Margo-Rae M. Kovats (Kevin) of Casselberry, Florida; her beloved grandchildren, Cora (11), Eric (10), and James (8); and her granddog, Leo.
A funeral Mass will be held on March 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, Florida 32792.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seminole County Animal Services.
Paulette will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.