Carlo Paterno, my maternal grandfather, is the father of my mother Mina Minton Paterno Schultes.
New York Times OBITUARIES • Tuesday, December 12, 1995
PATERNO – Carlo Middaugh, 88, died on December 11, 1995, in Naples, Florida, where he had been a resident since 1969. Mr. Paterno was the owner of Meadow Lane Farm, North Salem, NY, where he made his home for twenty-four years. Until his retirement, he was in the real estate business in and around New York City. He was also a breeder of purebred Aberdeen-Angus cattle beginning in 1950 and was one of the foremost breeders in the U.S.
Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Charles V. Paterno. His father, a prominent builder, was best known for the white marble castle he built on Riverside Drive overlooking the George Washington Bridge. Paterno Castle was later torn down and replaced by Castle Village, the first apartment houses in NY City to use the “X” plan. Among his many projects, his father was also remembered for building 270 Park Avenue. His family were also donors of Casa Italiana at Columbia University.
Always community oriented, he was active in civic affairs in Westchester County (NY), where he served on the North Salem Planning Board for fourteen years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Northern Westchester Hospital (Mount Kisco, NY) for sixteen years and raised 23 million for a new addition to the Hospital. He served as president of the Hospital for five years.
Mr. Paterno will be remembered in Naples as the builder of “The Corner,” a Renaissance style building which is located in the Old Naples Third Street South Shopping District. He was a member of The Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples Yacht Club, The Port Royal Club and The Naples Athletic Club where he served as president for a year.
He attended Yale University where he graduated from the Sheffield School of Science in 1930. During World War II, he served as a Captain for four and one half years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring with the rank of Major.
Mr. Paterno was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Helen Cotillo Paterno and is survived by his wife, Christine Montgomery Paterno; 3 daughters, Carla P. Darlington (NY City), Patricia P. Webb (Richmond, KY), Mina P. Schultes (Wilson, WY) and six grandchildren.
Please add your memories of Carlo below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Carlo’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Naples, FL – On September 23, 2016, Patricia “Patti” Ann Paterno Webb passed away peacefully at the age of 77 after a short illness with her husband by her side.
Born in New York, New York on October 28, 1938, Patricia was one of the three daughters born to Carlo Middaugh Paterno and Helen Berthold Cotillo Paterno. Preceding her in death are her parents. She is survived by her husband, William Joseph Webb. She is also survived by her son, Hugh Charles Mutch and daughter, Victoria von der Porten Eurton and grandchildren Caroline Eurton, Willem Eurton and Brandon Mutch; along with her two sisters, Carla Paterno Darlington and Mina Paterno Schultes and extended family across the country.
She attended Rippowam School in Bedford, NY and Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA, lived in NY, CT, KY and Naples, FL until her death. Patti had a remarkable personality, giving heart and beautiful smile. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a memorial gift in Patti’s honor to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A private family celebration will be held at a later date.
For online condolences, please visit fullernaples.com.
Please add your memories of Patti below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Patti’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Lola Mae Golden York, 89, of Tifton died Saturday, October 27, 2007, at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Lee McMath and Rev. Curtis Watson will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Webb, Tim Dunn, Robert Dunn, Terry Nichols, Carl McMath and Richard Golden. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Webb, Phillip Grimes, Andrew Grimes, Russel Hester and John O’Connor. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 29, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Ms. York was born on May 12, 1918 and was the daughter of Arthur Jacob Golden and Arrie Thompson Golden, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Albert York; and five brothers, Earl Golden, Johnny Golden, James Golden, Roy Golden, Bobby Golden. She was a retired research technician for the University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station and a member of Liberty Baptist Church. She had lived in Tifton for 35 years.
Ms. York is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Linda and Jack D. Marion, Sr. of Pinnacle, North Carolina, Martha York-Naylor and her husband, Adrian L. Naylor of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Judy York of Tifton; two sisters, Dorthy Dunn of Omega and Joyce Webb of Tifton; seven grandchildren, Jack D. Marion, Jr., Matthew Marion, Wendy Rutland, Holly Rutland Smithson, Cameron Dakota Wise, Debbie O’Connor and Carma Graham; and eight great grandchildren.
Please add your memories of Lola below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Lola’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Mrs. Betty Etheredge Golden, 84, of Tifton passed peacefully into the hands of Jesus on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 22nd, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Tifton. Interment will follow in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, June 21st at Albritton Funeral Directors.
Betty was born May 8, 1935 in Macon, Georgia and was the only child of Carrie V. Jennings and Lee Etheredge. She absolutely loved anything to do with music. She could often be found at First United Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member for over 80 years. She was a member of the chancel choir, Beacon Sunday School class, and the Ensemble. She wore every hat possible in the music ministry, including pianist, organist, soloist, interim music director, handbell director, kitchen band director, and children’s choir director. She served as wedding coordinator, and helped in the kitchen and in the office. She retired from the Animal and Dairy Science department at the Coastal Plains Experiment Station after 45 years. And she ran the show! She loved working there, and loved the “critters”. She was known for her ability to get it done. She served as the first female president of the Blue Devil Football Booster Club and president of the American Heart Association of Tifton. The loves of her life were family, friends, music and cats. If you knew her, she would do anything for you, especially put a smile on your face.
Pallbearers will be Bubba Harrison, Harmon Tawzer, Tyron Spearman, Stacy Duckworth, Larry Newton, Jimmy Jennings, Steve Webb and Tim Dunn. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Cypress Pond, First Methodist Chancel Choir, and First Methodist Beacon Sunday School Class.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bobby Arthur Golden, and her son, Lee Strickland, and her special cousin John Tate. Mrs. Golden is survived by her son Richard Golden, his wife, Kelly, and her grandchildren, Ashlee, Emily and Blair of Tifton; her son Chad Golden, his wife Carla, and her granddaughter Bella of Hilton Head Island, SC.; and her Cypress Pond family..too numerous to name for fear of leaving someone special out.
Flowers accepted or donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 107 W 12th St., Tifton, Ga., 31794 or Tifton Alzheimer’s, 225 2nd St. E., Tifton, Ga. 31794.
Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the online guest register at www.albrittonfuneral.com.
Please add your memories of Betty below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Betty’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Mary, my great-aunt, is the sister of my grandfather Joseph Lawrence Cappiello who is the father of my father David Lawrence Cappiello.
AUBURN – Mary Cappiello, 92, of 20 Park Ave., Auburn, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 9, 2009, at Auburn Memorial Hospital. She was born in Auburn, the daughter of the late Salvatore and Gilda Signorelli Cappiello and had been a life resident.
Mary was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and was the first patient admitted to the Finger Lakes Center for Living in Auburn. Prior to her retirement, Mary had been employed for more than 25 years as a secretary for the former Auburn Plastics.
She is survived by her loving sister, Norma Carr of South Dakota; five nephews, Joseph Cappiello and his wife, Gill, of Chicago, Ill., Dr. David Cappiello and his wife, Trudy, of North Carolina, Dr. John Carr and his wife, Michelle of South Dakota, Dr. Joseph Carr and his wife, Lisa, South Dakota, Dr. Wayne Carr and his wife, Kathy, of South Dakota; two nieces, Deborah Carr Caldwell of South Dakota, Chris Keeter and her husband, Jim of South Dakota; many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by a beloved brother, Joseph Cappiello in May 2006. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 12 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary”s Church for Mary’s Mass of Christian burial with the Rev. Frank Lioi, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph”s Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St. Auburn.
Due to the great care that was given to Mary over the many years spent at Finger Lakes Center for Living, the family requests that contributions be made to the nursing home at 20 Park Ave., Auburn, NY 13021, in her memory. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.
Please add your memories of Mary below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Mary’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
AUBURN - Joseph L. Cappiello, 94, of 6 Adams Ave., Auburn, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at Auburn Memorial Hospital. He was born in Auburn, the son of the late Salvatore and Gilda Signorelli Cappiello, and had been a life resident.
He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. Mr. Cappiello graduated from Auburn Academic High, class of 1931, where he excelled in football and was captain of the track team.
Joe was an accomplished musician, having taught piano for more than 60 years. He was a music arranger for the former Cayugans and also the leader of an orchestra for numerous years. Mr. Cappiello was a member of the Federated Association of Musicians Local 78. Joe was an avid New York Giants football fan and enjoyed the many hours he spent collecting stamps.
He is survived by his two loving sons, David L. Cappiello M.D. and his wife, Trudy, of Asheville, N.C., and Joseph L. Cappiello Jr., and his wife, Gillian, of Elmhurst, Ill.; two sisters, Mary Cappiello of Auburn and Norma Carr of St. Lawrence, S.D.; four grandchildren, Michael and Joseph Dutilly, David Cappiello Jr. and Carla Golden; two great-grandchildren, Julia Cappiello and Bella Golden; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins; and his very close canine companion, Bianca.
Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at 10 a.m. Saturday, in Sacred Heart Church for Joseph’s Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be in St. Joseph”s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today, at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Contributions may be made in Joseph”s memory to a charity of one”s choice. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.
Please add your memories of Joe below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Joe’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Beau, my 2nd cousin, is is the son of Christine Alice Carr Keeter who is the daughter of Norma Madeline Cappiello Carr who is the sister of my grandfather Joseph Lawrence Cappiello.
Beau James Keeter, 19, of St. Lawrence, South Dakota went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota
Celebration of Beau’s Life was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the Miller Armory with Rev. Matt Richards officiating with a meal to follow at the Miller Community Center. Burial was held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, at Beulah Cemetery, rural St. Lawrence. Visitation began at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2015 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the First Methodist Church, Miller.
Beau James Keeter was born on May 11, 1996 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Jim and Christine (Carr) Keeter. His sister Annie Cappiello Keeter joined the family on March 5, 1999 to make their family complete. Beau grew up on the family farm outside of St. Lawrence and attended Miller schools all 13 years of his education. Beau proudly graduated as a Miller Rustler in May of 2015 with honors. Beau was a member of Miller First United Methodist Church his entire life and was confirmed in his faith in 2010.
Beau had just begun his college career at Dakota Wesleyan University, pursuing a degree in Athletic Training. He received the Bishop Leadership Award for his leadership potential and his commitment to serving others; as well as an Academic & Athletic Scholarship and a United Methodist Scholarship.
Beau grew up helping his dad on the farm and grew to work alongside him as a hard-working young man. Beau spent many summers “laying fabric” with his sister, father, cousins and grandfather. This provided him with the spending money to build his basketball, sock, shoes and song collections throughout the years.
Beau was an awesome big brother to Annie and he loved her as much as any brother could. The two played, worked, and got into mischief together as soon as Annie was old enough to walk. His sister Annie was his lifelong best friend.
Beau loved his mother immensely and they were very close. He knew he could talk to her about anything and Chrissy was his greatest fan on every athletic and academic “sideline!” Beau’s second greatest fan was his grandmother, Norma Carr, who seldom missed a game and never missed the opportunity to encourage him to follow his dreams.
As Beau grew taller and taller his athletic ability grew as well and he became an amazing basketball player. Of course working on a farm requires a great amount of time and Beau’s dad Jimmy soon realized that basketball was a very important part of Beau’s life, so he gave him the gift of time to follow his passion for basketball. This passion blossomed Beau into the player he was and he played varsity basketball for three years for the Miller Rustlers, scoring over 1,000 points during this 3-year career. He loved everything about being a Miller Rustler basketball player. In August of 2015 Beau joined the Dakota Wesleyan Tiger Basketball team and was excited to participate in a college basketball program and was recently selected for the varsity basketball practice squad.
But as amazing of a basketball player he was, it is not basketball that he will be remembered for. It was Beau’s smile each time he entered a room that he will be remembered for. That smile was there because he was happy with who he was and where he was from and content in his faith in God. He was friendly with everyone he met and always saw the best in anyone he encountered. This happiness resonated from him and touched the lives of many, many people. Beau James Keeter, you will be missed by every one of those lives you touched.
Beau is survived by his parents Jim and Christine Keeter, his sister Annie, grandparents Norma Carr and James Keeter; aunts and uncles including Deb Carr, John & Michelle Carr, Wayne & Kathy Carr, Joe & Lisa Carr, Chad & Laura Cooney, Julie Keeter, Bob & Della Stallard; cousins including Josh, Bridget, Noah and Avery Carr, Hans Nelson, Nikki Carr, Bjorn & Devon Nelson, Taylor, Brooke and Finley Carr, Luke Carr, Caleb Carr, Will Carr, Peyton Carr, Sam Carr, Sarah Carr, Isaac Carr, Chloe Carr, Austin & Stephanie Stallard, Emily Stallard, Ethan Stallard, Cole Stallard, and Savanah Cooney.
Beau is preceded in death by his grandfather, Wayne Carr and grandmother, Dawn Keeter.
We would like to thank the administration, faculty, and students of Dakota Wesleyan University for their love and support during this difficult time. In the short amount of time that Beau attended your school, he truly felt a part of the Tiger Family. Beau loved his time at DWU!
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in memory of Beau Keeter.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Beau’s arrangement.
Please add your memories of Beau below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Beau’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
A Message from Norma: What my 97 years have taught me.
Norma and [her daughter] Chrissy talked about writing down advice she would have for us for several years. She has a hard time writing down her thoughts. So Chrissy just listened to her and decided one day to pull out her computer and start writing it down. Their goal was to have it done by her 97th birthday. This video documents her thoughts, advice and more importantly her love for us all. July 3, 2020 by [grandson] Hans Nelson
Transcript:
Today is July 3rd 2020 and today is my 97th birthday. If you were to ask me advice on how to live long and healthy, I would say it’s just luck that I am healthy and that I have lived this long, but I know it’s more than luck. God has blessed me to have been surrounded by people who have loved me my whole life from my parents, my siblings and my children and now my grandchildren. I think that holds the key reason to why I have been able to be positive and enjoy all my years.
What my 97 years has taught me that I wish to pass on to you: don’t let age define you. I’ve never used the words “I’m too old for that.” You are never too old to start a new hobby or project or start exercising. I never really enjoyed exercising until I was older, well, until I broke my hip last year. Exercise became important to me for my physical health and my mental health. I was determined to walk down that aisle and to dance in Annie’s wedding. And I did.
Be helpful in any way that you can. Look for ways you can impact your family your community and your church. It may be big or little. Personally I do the prayer calls for my church. In the past I was able to do much more but I realize now that I can still make a difference. I was a surgical nurse and my job was to assist the surgeon. [Daughter] Chrissy often comments that I still play that role in any way I can, many times assisting her with various projects by standing right by her and handing her anything she needs.
My mother taught me that there are two activities you can do every day that will make your day go by better. Always make your bed in the morning and never leave the kitchen dirty at night.
Be open to new adventures your entire life. I learned to swim, ride a bike, drive a car well into my adulthood. [Our friends] The Schultz’s taught me how to swim and [husband] Wayne taught me how to drive when we were dating. And the kids and Wayne taught me how to ride a bike. I never really mastered riding the bike without training wheels but then that didn’t really matter much to me.
I moved from Auburn and New York City and Chicago to the small town of Miller when I was 36 years old and then out to the farm when I was 65 years old. Each move was a transition or an adventure that brought me wonderful experiences.
Always find a purpose. It may be big or it may be small and it will vary over time. Search, find, and pursue your purpose. Have hobbies. I love music, listening to it, dancing to it, and talking about it. I enjoy watching old movies and discussing the actors and actresses with [daughter] Debbie who shares my passion. Playing cards, especially bridge, which we have played for over 60 years has brought me through friendships that I would have never had without that weekly game. Bridge also helped my mind be stimulated.
I love to read even at my age now. The books I read take me on adventures and continue to teach me new thoughts and new ideas. Reading has been a companion to me my whole life but over the last several years I realized what a treasure being able to read and enjoy reading has brought to my life.
Send a card. People including myself love to give a handwritten card. It is a dying art so don’t let that go by the wayside. Send a card to a friend, a family member, a stranger, the clerk at the store. You never know what a single thoughtful act of writing a card can do for someone. And always, always send a thank you note.
Pick your friends wisely for they will become your peers and your peers have a tremendous influence on you at any age. Have friends of all ages. I have older friends and I have much younger friends. Both have been a huge blessing to me.
Entertain in your home. [Daughter] Chris has told me that I have the gift of hospitality. In our house, we have entertained family friends and even strangers that later became friends. I loved having the kids’ friends at our house at Miller. So many great memories and friendships happen because we had people over.
Find a place of worship. Stay close to God and pray always. If you start to lose faith, work hard at mending it back together. Start reading the Bible. Attend church weekly. Say the Rosary. Do whatever it takes to stay close to God. Many things in this world cannot be explained and I just don’t understand the reasons behind the tragedies our family and many others have endured, but I know that God has given me the strength to continue to wake up in the morning determined to do my part in the world. My faith and my God have never left me nor forsaken me and I have worked hard at making sure that faith grows.
My Catholic faith is very dear to me. I was taught by the nuns and Mass was something I attended all my life. I love receiving the body of Christ at Communion and I enjoy singing in the choir. I say the Rosary every day. I love how it is devoted to Mary and it makes me think of all the things that happen while Jesus walked on this earth. We often forget all those things. The rosary brings me closer to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Live a clean life away from alcohol, drugs, cigarettes. It will save your from unneeded struggles and heartaches.
I have lived a wonderful life. I continue to feel the presence of [husband] Wayne all around me daily and especially when I watch my three sons, each one of them have different traits of Wayne that I love. I have family and friends who love me. I am very proud of my Italian heritage and I hope that you always remember that part of who you are and are proud of it as well. My hardest trials have been the passing of [grandson] Beau and [granddaughter] Nikki and watching my son and daughter deal with such heartaches. I continue to look forward to what the rest of my life will bring, and I also look forward to a new life in heaven someday reunion with all those that I miss and cherish. I love you and I hope you always hold each other close.
Nicolette, my 2nd cousin, is the adopted daughter of John Salvatore Carr who is the son of Norma Madeline Cappiello Carr who is the sister of my grandfather Joseph Lawrence Cappiello.
Nicolette Michelle Carr (Nikki), 30, of Huron, passed away November 6, 2016 in Sioux Falls, SD at Avera McKennan hospital surrounded by her family. Nikki showed bravery in her fight with cancer.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller. Burial followed at Beulah Cemetery, rural St. Lawrence. The rosary service began at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, Thursday, November 10, 2016, all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller.
Nikki, the daughter of John and Michelle (Welsh) Carr, was born on March 6, 1986 in Sioux Falls, SD. Growing up in Miller, SD she attended grade school and high school. She graduated with honors from Miller High School in 2004. She was a very active Miller Rustler as a statistician for the basketball team and cheered her brother’s and cousins at every single game. Nikki attended her first semester of college at the University of South Dakota and then transferred to Northern State University. She graduated from Northern with a degree in elementary education with emphasis in early childhood in 2010. Nikki started her career in Faulkton, SD teaching preschool for one year. In 2011, she moved to Huron, SD where she taught at Holy Trinity Catholic School as their sixth-grade teacher. She quickly transitioned to first grade which was her passion. She loved being with the younger children to mold their future. Nikki was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2014.
Nikki had a passion for life and lived every moment to the fullest. She loved being with her niece and nephews. She made them feel like they were the most important people in the world. She treated them like they were her children and was the epitome of a number one aunt. Nikki never missed out on a chance to be with family and friends.
In the last week of her life, she was able to experience the Cubs winning the World Series and the Bears beating the Vikings. While she was at home she snuggled on the couch with her beloved dog, Reezy (named after Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte). Nikki was an avid swimming fan and attended many swim meets across the country where she was able to meet Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, among others.
She taught her first graders at Holy Trinity Catholic School until the week before her death. Nikki was a passionate woman about her family, teaching, shopping and all things related to Disney.
She is survived by her parents, John and Michelle; her brother Josh, wife Bridget and their children, Noah and Avery; her brother Taylor, wife Brooke and their son Finley; her grandparents, James and Marlene Welsh; her grandmother, Norma Carr; her aunts and uncles: Deborah Koenig, Bryan Welsh, Keith Welsh, Deb Carr, Chris and Jim Keeter, Wayne and Kathy Carr, Joe and Lisa Carr; her cousins: Christopher Koenig, Cameron Koenig, Hans Nelson, Bjorn Nelson and his wife Devon, Lucas Carr, Caleb Carr, Peyton Carr, Isaac Carr, William Carr, Samuel Carr, Sarah Carr, Chloe Carr and Annie Keeter.
She is preceded in death by her grandfather, EW Carr; and cousin, Beau Keeter.
Nikki’s family wants to thank our community of Miller and its surrounding area for all their love and support.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been started in memory of Nikki Carr.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Nikki’s arrangements.
Please add your memories of Nikki below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Nikki’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.
Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno, born Canio Vito Paternò in 1878 in Castelmezzano, Italy, was my great-grandfather whose only child and son, Carlo, was my mother’s father. Dr. Charles was joyfully obsessed with Christmas during the later part of his life. Perhaps this stemmed from a childhood living in a big Italian family of ten children headed by Giovanni Maria Paternò (1851-1899) and Maria Carolina Trivigno (1853-1925) who married each other on Christmas Day in 1872 in Castelmezzano, Italy. I can imagine that this winter holiday was not only very festive for little Charles, as it is for most children, but also a very personal family event to celebrate the love and union of his parents. This aspect could have added an extra layer of endearment and nostalgia to Christmastime for Dr. Charles later in life.
Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno 1878-1946
Maria Carolina Trivigno Paternò 1853-1925
Giovanni Maria Paternò 1851-1899
Charles’ father Giovanni immigrated to New York City, USA, in 1880, Americanized his name to John, and pursued work as a builder. His wife Maria Carolina and their four oldest children followed in 1885. Their additional six children were born in New York City before John died at the young age of 48 in September of 1899. He wished to die in his homeland so their eldest son Saverio Francesco (1876-1950) escorted his ill father from New York City, USA, back to Castelmezzano, Italy, to fulfill this dying wish. Once Carolina, who never remarried, died in 1925, the children reunited their mother and father in a mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, USA. The union of their parents – made official on a long-ago Christmas Day – was clearly held in high regard in life as well as in death by their ten children.
Christmastime in Castelmezzano, Italy
Charles and his brother Joseph (1881-1939) were tasked with taking over their father John’s building projects in the city. They were so successful that they continued on this path and both developed immensely successful careers constructing apartment buildings in the first half of the 20th Century. Charles was a Spring 1899 graduate of Cornell Medical College but he was never able to practice medicine. The building business abruptly changed his career path shortly after graduation when his father fell ill, and the good fortune – certainly more than a doctor’s salary – kept him there.
Christmastime in NYC 42nd Street & Fifth Avenue 1910 – see more fabulous photos from this collection here
Dr. Charles married his love Minnie Minton Middaugh (1868-1943) two days before Christmas in 1906. This date was a merger of his favorite holiday and his favorite “lucky” number 23. It was the following year that they broke ground on their lavish castle estate along the Hudson River in Washington Heights. On this estate Dr. Charles kept seventeen greenhouses in which he grew a great number of plants including an extensive collection of orchids and poinsettias, the later surely out of his fondness for Christmastime.
Poinsettias in the Paterno Castle hallway leading to the conservatory – see more at MyInwood.net
The Paterno Castle existed from the beginning of the construction in 1907 until it was demolished in 1938 to make way for the Castle Village apartment complex. The Paterno Family – Charles, Minnie, and Carlo – moved into the castle in 1909 which makes it feasible to have enjoyed perhaps as many as twenty-eight Christmas holidays in this magnificent, magical home.
Front of Post Card from Minnie to her son Carlo 6 Dec 1926Back of Post Card from Minnie to her son Carlo 6 Dec 1926 • “This is the picture of our home this morning when I got up – Mother”
In 1919 Dr. Charles set his future-vision on the countryside away from the city and purchased 246 (some say 268) acres known as New Castle Farm in Armonk, the green district of North Castle in Westchester County. Over the years he would add to the acreage accumulating ultimately 1,260 (some accounts say up to 1,700) which he later renamed Windmill Manor and eventually his son Carlo renamed Windmill Farm. It was on this country estate where Dr. Charles’ grandest Christmas fantasies could play out in full expression.
In 1922 Dr. Charles started planting 1.5 million various pine, cedar, and fir trees intended to become perfected hybrid Christmas trees. For each sapling he paid a penny each and over a period of time until 1932 he sold little Christmas trees in red cans with the message: “I am your little Christmas tree. Take good care of me and I’ll grow big and strong just like you.” They sold for $1.50 each and approximately 30-40,000 little trees were sold each year for ten holiday seasons. Many of these trees eventually grew too big to be sold as Christmas trees and remain to this day as part of the sprawling forest of the upscale residential community still known as Windmill Farm.
At his Windmill Manor estate Dr. Charles kept about twenty-five deer. In 1937 he was planning to domesticate four of the young deer so that he could train and hitch them to a sleigh. His grand dream was to steer his deer-drawn sleigh down Fifth Avenue in New York City on a snowy Christmas Day, perhaps seated cozily with his three youngest granddaughters. Surely this would have delighted so many onlookers, old and young alike…and the child’s heart of the man holding the reins. Sadly Dr. Charles died in 1946 before his magical Christmas dream became a reality.
Michael Campagna, Jr. (1924-2020), grandson of Dr. Paterno’s older sister Celestina, wrote “I am Dr. Charles V. Paterno’s [grand] nephew. In the late 1920s, my mom used to take me to Paterno Castle and Uncle Charlie used to let me swim in the indoor pool at the Castle. It was really a big treat in those days. At Christmas time, Uncle Charlie used to dress up as Santa and make visits to all his nephews and nieces at their homes and deliver all kinds of wonderful gifts.”
I would like to think that Dr. Charles would have been overjoyed to have a great-grandchild born on Christmas Day which I was in 1969, twenty-three years after his passing. Before researching and reading about my great-grandfather Paterno, I had no idea how fond he was of Christmas. As his parents’ union surely made Christmas extra-special for Charles, it is my great grandfather’s fondness for Christmas that helps me feel more sentimental and adoring of the holiday.
