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Page 103: John Anthony Paterno [1901-1988] Biography
John Anthony Paterno was born in London, England in 1901. When he was a year old, his parents took him to Castelmezzano, Italy. John celebrated his tenth birthday on a steamship bound for America. After a few months of public schooling at P.S. 165, John attended a small country boarding school in 1911. Then he was placed in St. Joseph’s Convent Station, New Jersey. His brothers, Charles and Joseph joined him there in 1912. His uncle, Joseph Paterno, arranged for his transfer to Seton Hall College, which also operated a high school and two grades of grammar school. After two years of high school, John attended Eastman Business School in Poughkeepsie, New York where he studied typing and bookkeeping. His first job was in the office of the Portland Cement Company. Later in 1918 he worked for his uncle, Dr. Charles V. Paterno as a typist and timekeeper. In 1919, he started to work for his uncle Joseph Paterno in the family construction business. After many years, he left the employment of Uncle Joseph, due to a disagreement. John volunteered for service in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. After his discharge, he utilized his experience in the construction field until the age of 79 when he retired. John was married three times but had no children.
According to this brother Michael Paterno, John was very intelligent and ambitious. In his book, The Paterno Family Heritage Book, Michael continued his praise of his brother, stating, “He was diplomat, an outstanding toastmaster, and well respected by his family and his peers. He became known as the youngest wealthy builder in New York City and was elected Vice President of the Fifth Avenue Association, a prestigious organization. As his younger brother, I like to express a few words of praise for the one I have always proudly looked up to; a wise counselor, sincere and good brother and friend.”
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