Michael Jeremiah Paterno (1 Jan 1909 – 1 Jun 1992) was the son of Saverio Francesco Paterno (1876 – 1950) and Minnie Rose Breden (1880 – 1969). Saverio was the older brother of my great-grandfather Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno (1878 – 1946).
Michael Jeremiah Paterno’s book titled The Paterno Family Heritage Book was printed 1 January 1985. The copy, which I have photographed, was loaned to me by my 3rd cousin Michael C. LaBarbera (1949-) who is a grand-nephew of the author. I am so thankful to have borrowed, read, and photographed this preserved and important piece of family history.
Outside Front Cover: The Paterno Family Heritage Book, Michael J. Paterno, January 1, 1985
Title Page: The Family Heritage Book
Paterno Family Crest Page: My Family, Paterno Crest
Dedication Page (i): The Family Heritage Book, Dedicated to my dear wife [Louise M. Massari 1909 – 1995] who supported and encouraged me to write these pages of a rather jumbled manuscript written mainly for our children and grandchildren, so they might have some knowledge and insight into our family heritage and roots. I am also grateful to my niece, Ann Paterno Murphy, who inspired me to write this story when she sought my aid in compiling information for her to write something about her roots, for her children.
Handwritten: With love and affection to Michael, signed Michael J. Paterno 3/23/85
Michael J. Paterno
Preface (ii): The simple facts compiled in this narrative by brother Michael are, in themselves, the expression and motivation of an older member of the Paterno (or, as pronounced in Italian, Paternò) family to inspired the ensuing generations to be proud of their heritage.
Beginning with our Grandfather Giovanni, who immigrated to America in the nineteenth century, our forebeards pulled themselves out of the mire of the mediocre mass and achieved a position far above the average immigrants.
Michael wants his descendants to know that out of a small, primitive village in the mountainous region of southern Italy, the name Paterno is one which we share proudly. Even those who because of marital status assume other names must not forget the Paterno blood which flows through their veins.
You, who follow us in the natural course of event, can keep your heads high.
May God help you to always proudly display your heritage.
John A. Paterno [John Anthony Paterno 1900 – 1988]
Additional Dedication Page (iii): This chronicle of the Paterno family was written with a great appreciation of history, family loyalty and love – in the hope that the yet unborn generations of Paterno will get a true picture of their past.
I, Michael J. Paterno, dedicate this family chronicle of the Paterno history to my children, grandchildren and the yet-to-be-born generations of Paterno. 1984