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.
Helen Laura Ritzmann (14 Aug 1911 – 22 May 1988) and Carlo Middaugh Paterno (23 Nov 1907 – 11 Dec 1995) were my maternal grandparents. Helen was adopted by her step-father Salvatore Albert Cotillo (19 Nov 1886 – 27 Jul 1939) when she was approximately 18 years of age. Helen’s mother Ida Sophia Berthold (15 May 1894 – 8 Jun 1977) married Judge Cotillo sometime between 1915 (divorce from first husband John Herbert Ritzmann) and 1929 when Helen was 18 years old and adopted. At this writing I do not have evidence of their recorded marriage.
L to R: Ida Sophia Berthold Cotillo, Ruth Middaugh Brown Lawrence, Helen Laura Ritzmann Cotillo Paterno, Carlo Middaugh Paterno, James A. Farley Jr., Sarah Leticia Campbell Cotillo, Boyd Paterno Brown
“Helen Berthold Cotillo and Carlo Middaugh Paterno became engaged on her birthday of August 14, 1934. We married on my birthday on November 23, 1934. Her age was 23 and mine was 27.
Judge Cotillo performed a civil ceremony in his home [at 1172 Park Avenue] because of his great desire to do so. The formal Catholic service was held at the Castle in the evening.
The famous operatic diva, Rosa Ponselle, sang at our wedding. Ring bearer was the son of James A. Farley who was Postmaster General in the presidential cabinet of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Postmaster General and his wife, Bess, were close friends of the Cotillos.
Our honeymoon night was spent in the Tower of the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria at 49th and Park Avenue. It was Glenn Lybarger, my boyhood mentor-confidante, who chauffeured us into the city prior to the honeymoon cruise.
Next day from wedding night in the Waldorf Towers, Helen and I embarked on the Grace Line’s Santa Rose for the long cruise from New York via the Panama Canal to the Pacific and up to Los Angeles. Here we took the ocean liner Luraline to Honolulu for a great time there. Our honeymoon was a half-year of newly married bliss.” Carlo M. Paterno in his book My Family page 53
Post card (front) from The Ambassador, Los Angeles, CaliforniaPost card (back): Darlings, That husband of mine has been at the desk for hours and I haven’t been able to write the letter I promised last night. P.S. He doesn’t know how to spell any better than I do. But the worse he spells the more I love him (if that is possible)). Love to you all, xxxxx HelenA key given to me by my grandparents, presumably from their honeymoon. Pink Palace of the Pacific, The Royal Hawaiian HotelFrom Carlo M. Paterno’s book
Helen B. Cotillo to Wed in Autumn – Troth to Carlo M. Paterno to Be Made Public Formally at Birthday Luncheon – Parent Will Be Hosts – Prospective Bride Graduate of the New Rochelle, Castle and Finch Schools • Sunday, August 12, 1934
Supreme Court Justice and Mrs. Salvatore A. Cotillo will give a luncheon on Tuesday at the Westchester Court Club to celebrate the birthday of their daughter, Miss Helen Berthold Cotillo, and at the same time to announce formally her engagement to Carlo M. Paterno, son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles V. Paterno of this city and Mount Kisco, NY. Only close friends of both families will attend the luncheon.
Miss Cotillo attended the New Rochelle, Castle and Finch Schools. She is interested in social service work and finds recreation in horseback riding, swimming and golfing.
Mr. Paterno attended the Riverside Country and Milford Schools, and was graduated from the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale in 1930. He is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta and Vernon Hall, and a junior member of the Westchester Country Club. He is an expert horseman and golfer.
He is manager of the real estate holdings of his father , the well-known builder. Young Mr. Paterno is president of the 335 West One Hundred and First Street Corporation and vice president of the Karlopat Realty Corporation.
Mrs. James A. Farley, wife of the Postmaster General, was the ranking guest at luncheon yesterday of Supreme Court Justice of New York and Mrs. Salvatore A. Cotillo, who entertained at the Westchester Country Club. The party was in celebration of the birthday anniversary of Miss Helen Berthold Cotillo, daughter of the hosts, and also to formally announce her engagement to Mr. Carlo M. Paterno, son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles V. Paterno of New York and Mount Kisco. Among others at the luncheon were Mr. Charles (Minnie) Paterno, Signora Grossardi, wife of the Italian consul general in New York; Mrs. Howard Chandler Christy and Miss Rosa Ponselle.
L to R: Mrs. Minnie Paterno, Helen Berthold Cotillo, Mrs. Ida Cotillo
Luncheon Honors Helen B. Cotillo – Mrs. James A. Farley Hostess to Prospective Bride of Carlo M. Paterno • November 9, 1934
Mrs. James A. Farley gave a luncheon yesterday at the Central Park Casino for Miss Helen B. Cotillo, daughter of Supreme Court Justice and Mrs. Salvatore A. Cotillo, who marriage to Carlo M. Paterno will take place on Nov. 23 at Paterno Castle. The other guests were: Mrs. Cotillo, Mrs. Charles Paterno, Mrs. Thomas Sheridan, Mrs. John Dietz, Mrs. Harry Conay, Mr.s Howard Chandler Christy, Mrs. Gene Pope, Mrs. Henry Hughes, Mrs. Edward McDermott, Mrs. Daniel H. McKitterick, Mrs. James A. Foley, Mrs. Michael Delehanty, Mrs. Albert Frankenthaler, Mrs. C. Russell Feldman, Mrs. Frank Cooper, Mrs. Isadore Wasservogel, Miss Beth Leary and Miss Rosa Ponselle of the Metropolitan Opera Company.
Miss Cotillo Wed to C. M. Paterno – Daughter of Supreme Court Justice Married at Castle Overlooking Hudson – Ponselle Sisters Sing – Member of Bench, Bar, Congress and President’ Cabinet Are Among Notables Present • November 24, 1934
One of the largest weddings of the late Autumn season was that of Miss Helen Berthold Cotillo, elder daughter of Supreme Court Justice and Mrs. Salvatore A. Cotillo, to Carlo Middaugh Paterno, only son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles V. Paterno, which took place last night at The Castle, the medieval residence of the Paternos overlooking the Hudson, almost within a stone’s throw of the George Washington Bridge.
The ceremony took place in the large conservatory, which had been transformed into an outdoor garden by means of silver birch trees and tropical and subtropical plants. There was a temporary altar at one end of the room, arranged against a background of the birch trees and flanked by seven-branched cathedral candelabras, the lighted tapers casting a soft glow during the ceremony, performed by the Right Rev. Mgr. Alphonsus Arcese, who was assisted by the Rev. Salvatrore Cafiero. During the service Rosa Ponselle of the Metropolitan Opera Company sang “Oh, Promise Me.”
Miss Carmela Ponselle, also of the Metropolitan Opera Company, sang the wedding march from “Lohengrin” as the bridal party made its way from the hallway through the conservatory to the altar. The procession was led by two flower girls, Sally Cotillo [Sarah Leticia Campbell Cotillo], sister of the bride, and Ruth Brown, grand-neice of Mrs. Paterno. [Correction: Ruth Brown was the granddaughter of Minnie Minton Middaugh Brown Paterno. Ruth’s father was Lyndon Middaugh Brown, son of Minnie and her first husband Rufus Lincoln Brown.] Then came a page, James A. Farley Jr., son of Postmaster General and Mrs. James A. Farley; the bride’s mother, who was matron of honor, and the bridge, who was escorted by her father to the altar, where she was joined by the bridegroom and his cousin, Boyd Brown, the best man.
The Bridal Costume
The bride wore an empire gown of white chiffon velvet, made with long, fitted sleeves and a full court train, rounded at the end. The gown was embellished with a dropped yoke of point lace. Her veil was of old rose point lace, and had been worn by the bridegroom’s mother at her twenty-fifth wedding anniversary [in 1931]. She carried a bouquet of white cattleya and butterfly orchids and pansies.
The flower girls wore Grecian frocks of pale pink velvet, with caps of the same material, trimmed with forget-me-nots and sweetheart roses, and carried colonial bouquets of the same flowers. The page was in a black velvet Eton suit. Mrs. Cotillo, the bride’s mother, wore a costume of white Florentine lace, embroidered in silver thread, and carried butterfly orchids in pastel shades.
After the ceremony the bridal couple received the congratulations of relatives and friends in the ballroom. They were assisted by the bride’s mother and Mrs. Paterno, the latter of whole wore a gown of silver cloth appliquéd in seed pearls and a corsage of white and purple orchids. Later there was dancing. A buffet supper was served by Sherry in the conservatory. The entire Paterno residence was thrown open for the festivities.
Official of the United States and Italian Governments, judges of various courts, members of the bar and other outstanding persons were invited to the wedding. Many of those unable to attend sent telegrams of congratulations, including Augusto Rosso, the Italian Ambassador, and Governor and Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman.
The Guests
Among those who accepted invitations were: Commendatore Nobile Antonio Grossari, Italian Consul General at New York, and Mrs. Grossari; Dr. Pierre Pasquale Spinelli, Deputy Consul, and Mrs. Spinelli; Postmaster General and Mrs. James A. Farley, former Governor and Mrs. Alfred E. Smith, former Ambassador James W. Gerard and Mrs. Gerard, Secretary of State Edward J. Flynn of New York and Mrs. Flynn, State Senator and Mrs. John J. Dunnigan, Judge and Mrs. George Murray Hulbert, Judge and Mrs. John C. Knox, Judge and Mrs. Martin T. Manton, Judge Edward R. Finch of the Court of Appeals and Mrs. Finch, Justice and Mrs. Edward J. Glennon, Justice and Mrs. Francis Martin, Justice and Mrs. James O’Malley, Justice and Mrs. Alfred H. Townley, Justice and Mrs. Irwin Untermyer, Justice William Harman Black, Justice and Mrs. Joseph M. Callahan, Justice and Mrs. John F. Carew, Justice and Mrs. Albert Cohn, Justice and Mrs. William T. Collins, Justice Edward S. Dore, Justice and Mrs. Alfred Frankenthaler, Justice and Mrs. Ernest E. L. Hammer, Justice Samuel H. Hofstadter, Justice Edward R. Koch, Justice and Mrs. Edgar J. Lauer, Justice and Mrs. Timothy A. Leary, Justice and Mrs. Aaron J. Levy, Justice Richard P. Lydon, Justice and Mrs. Philip J. McCook, Justice and Mrs. John E. McGeehan, Justice and Mrs. Edward J. McGoldrick, Justice and Mrs. Charles B. McLaughlin, Justice and Mrs. Julius Miller, Justice and Mrs. Kenneth O’Brien, Justice and Mrs. Samuel I. Rosenman, Justice and Mrs. Peter Schmuck, Justice Bernard L. Shientag, Justice and Mrs. Aron Steuer, Justice and Mrs. Louis A. Valenta, Justice and Mrs. John L. Walsh, Justice and Mrs. Isidor Wasservogel, Justice and Mrs. Charles C. Lockwood, Justice and Mrs. John H. McCooey, Surrogate and Mrs. James A. Delehanty and Surrogate and Mrs. James A. Foley.
Others were Representative and Mrs. Joseph A. Gavagan, Representative and Mrs. Martin J. Kennedy and Representative and Mrs. Vito Marcantonio, Public Welfare Commissioner Edward Corsi and Mrs. Corsi, Dr. Charles Amoroso, Deputy Commissioner of Correction and Mrs. Amoroso, Assistant Attorney General William J. Mahon, Controller-elect Frank J. Taylor and Mrs. Taylor, President Bernard S. Deutsch of the Board of Aldermen and Mrs. Deutsch, Borough President Samuel Levy of Manhattan and Mrs. Levy, District Attorney and Mrs. William Copeland Dodge, Commissioner of Public Works H. Warren Hubbard and Mrs. Hubbard, James J. Dooling, Frank Kelley, State Senator Thomas I. Sheridan and Mrs. Sheridan, former Sheriff John E. Sheehy and Mrs. Sheehy, Water Supply Commissioner John J. Dietz and Mrs. Dietz, Commissioner and Mrs. Edward P. Mulrooney, former Mayor and Mrs. John P. O’Brien, former Surrogate and Mrs. John P. Cohalan, George J. Ryan, president of the Board of Education, and Mrs. Ryan, Dr. and Mrs. Angelo Patri, Assistant District Attorney Felix Benvenga, Chief Magistrate James C. McDonald, Magistrate and Mrs. Thomas I. Aurelio, Judge and Mrs. Joseph F. Caponigri, Judge and Mrs. Morris Eder and Judge and Mrs. Myron Sulzberger.
Also Agnostino De Biasi, Italo Falbo, Marcello Girosi, Francesco Macaluso, Mr. and Mrs. Generosa Pope, Louis Wiley, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Burkan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Boston, Captain and Mrs. Irving L. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Goodstein, Dr. Joseph Kahn, Mr. and Mrs. George Z. Medalie, Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand I. Pecora, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd P. Stryker, Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Taft, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Whiteside, Assemblyman and Mrs. Salvatore Farenga, Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Boomer, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Chandler Christy, Baron and Baroness Bernardino Gailuppi, Mr. and Mrs. Henry V. Allien, Mrs. and Mrs. Michael J. Delehanty, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gerli, George Burling Prince and Dr. and Mrs. Martin Stein.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle • 24 November 1934Letter written to Ida Berthold Cotillo (mother of Helen Cotillo Paterno) by Carlo Paterno while on their honeymoon. Postmark is 11 December 1934.
December 10th – Dear Judge and Mother, It was a grand surprise to hear your voices last night. It sort of made me feel that everything was alright. I do hope Sally is feeling better by now. Well Judge I’m afraid I don’t win my bet about Helen packing…
… my pants but she has tried very hard and is handling everything very well. You should see Helen checking over my laundry when she sends it out and when it returns. Now that’s a pretty good start. Of course I’ll admit it’s a hard job to get Helen to write. Helen’s excuse is that I keep her busy day and night…
… The trip on the Santa Elena was really most enjoyable and the various ports and cities that we visited were very interesting and great fun to see. Today we lunched at the Brown Derby the drove through Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Tomorrow we are planning to visit some fo the studios….
… Helen has been grand and has put up with all my peculiar traits so far. Evidentially we will be married for years and years as we have started planning our golden anniversary. Much love to you all and again many thanks for all the cooperation in making our wedding such a success. Helen promises a long long letter tomorrow. Your son, Carlo
For Mother xxx For Judge xxx For Sally xxx For Aunt Hattie xxx For Uncle Bill xxx For Anna xxx
Darlings, That husband of mine has been at the desk for hours and I haven’t been able to write the letter I promised last night. PS – He doesn’t know how to spell any better than I do. But the worse he spells, the more I love him (if that is possible). Love to you all, xxxxxx Helen.
