Obituary of Joseph P. Paterniti

Joseph P. Paterniti, 89, of Jamestown, passed away peacefully Friday November 29, 2013, in WCA Hospital. He was born October 17, 1924, in Jamestown, a son of the late Frank and Maria Calimeri Paterniti. Mr. Paterniti was the husband of Angelene Frangione Paterniti, whom he married September 2, 1950. He was a 1942 graduate of Jamestown High School, received both Bachelor and Maters degrees from Alfred University and completed additional studies at St. Bonaventure University where he received certification in guidance and administration. A WWII veteran of the US Army 76th Infantry Division 301 Medical Battalion serving from March 19, 1943 to December 10, 1945 in France Luxembourg and Germany. He was employed by Jamestown Board of Education for 36 years from 1950 until his retirement in 1986. From 1950-63 he taught General Science at Lincoln Junior High School. He transferred to Washington Junior High as Boy's Counselor in 1963. In 1965 he pioneered the Jamestown High School GED Program which he coordinated and taught until 1982. He was also involved in the founding of the Junior National Honor Society in the Jamestown Junior High Schools. In 1968 he became Principal and served in that capacity at Washington until 1982. At that time he transferred to Jefferson School until his retirement in 1986. He was a life member of the PTA and a member of Administrators Association of New York State, Chautauqua Youth Board from 1984-96, New York State Retired Teachers Association and the Southern Chautauqua County Retired Teachers for whom he served as President from 1990-92.He served as a councilman on the Busti Town Board from 1987-97. From 1991-92 he served as the President of Chapter 334 of AARP. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 926, where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator. Surviving besides his wife of Jamestown are three sons Gregory F. (Diane) Paterniti, Mitchell B. (Debra) Paterniti and David P. (Kristina) Paterniti; six grandchildren Aaron, Adam, Elizabeth, Anthony, James and Anna Paterniti. He was preceded in death by his father February 2, 1948 and his mother March 19, 1967. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10. a.m. Tuesday in St. John Catholic Church. Rev. Dennis W. Mende will be celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led at 1:45 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750.