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Mrs. Carolina Trivigno Paterno
Mrs. Carolina T. Paterno, widow of John Paterno and mother of five of the largest building contractors in New York, died yesterday at her residence, 344 Northern Avenue, at the age of 71, after an illness that began four years ago with a stroke of paralysis. Her husband started a modest business which was just showing signs of development when he died. The business was then greatly developed by the five sons, Joseph, Charles, Saverio, Michael E., and Anthony A. Paterno. Five daughters also survive: Mr.s Celestine Cerabone, Mrs. Marie Campagna, Mrs. Rose Faiella, Mrs. Theresa Ciluzzi and Mrs. Christina Campagna.
Mrs. Carolina Trivigno Paterno
Mrs. Carolina T. Paterno, mother of Joseph, Dr. Charles V., Michael and Anthony Paterno, died last night at her home at 344 Northern Avenue of paralysis, from which she had been suffering for six years. Solemn requiem mass will be sung for her at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Eighteenth Street and Broadway, on Saturday. She came to this country forty-one years ago.
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In Memory of Carolina T. Paterno whom I loved and respected as my own mother.
It is with a heavy heart that I take on myself the arduous task, the painful privilege, of bidding the last farewell to you, noble mother. Devoted mother of ten children. Those few words would glory any woman’s name – they symbolize the poem of your life-work, the work you fulfilled with such zeal and self-denial.
Through my mind flashes a picture of forty years ago when, leaving the quiet peaceful life, the sunshine of our mountains, you, with four little tots, crossed the ocean, to join your dear husband, who was laboring feverishly, for the well being of his beloved ones.
How strange these shores must have seemed to you, fair mountain girl, how different from your dreams of the promised land! But it didn’t matter…The goal was set, a better future for your family meant everything to you both, and you forged your way with unwavering courage. You were like two brave soldiers, in the midst of a greta battlefield, determined to win. And the victory was in sight, the sun of happier days was dawning on the dim horizon, when fate willed on you a great catastrophe – the loss of your faithful companion.
What a tragedy!
The little ship, battered by high seas, would have foundered, but for your stout, indomitable will. O valiant woman, o fond mother, o pure example of our strong race, who ever knew of your sleepless nights…who ever knew the throbs of your heart!
A splendid shepherd you were. Through hills and valleys, through woods and rough roads, you held your little flock together and led it to the great highway. From childhood you had inspired your five boys with the rugged spirit of sacrifice, honest work and ambition for achievement; your five girls with the home virtues of modesty, frugality, devotion to their families. Your success was complete, and the tender love and gratitutde of your children were your greatest reward. Wonderful mother, you can be proud of your record.
A deep void will be left in our hearts, a deep void in the once happy home where at ever corner, are seen relics of your thrifty, simple life; but you shall continue to live with us, in sweet memories. Before departing, please forgive us for our errors, forgive us for any act of disrespect, forgive us for our faults of human weakness.
Watch over us, guide us in times of doubt, show us the light and truth and, most of all, hold firm the bonds of our family, so dear to you; keep us united, as united we are in this great sorrow. And now, go and join again your waiting pal, who, with the grace of God, will show you the way to eternal peace and happiness, so well deserved by your accomplishment in life.
Anthony Campagna
April 20, 1925
