Andrew B. Paternoster

Andy was born in Evansville, IN on October 23, 1980. His family moved to Newburgh at the beginning of 4th grade where he entered the Excel Program. He was involved in Odyssey of the Mind, playing soccer, and began studying classical guitar.

Andy attended Castle H.S.; graduating in 1999. While in high school he continued studying guitar, was involved in the winning “We the People” competition government team and was on the 4 person student team that consistently beat the 4 person faculty team in academic competition. He also loved playing Trivial Pursuit with a few students and two special teachers.

During summers, while in high school, he attended the prestigious Interlochen Center of the Arts continuing his guitar training.

After graduation from Castle he attended Mannes College of Music in New York City studying guitar performance and composition.

Andy spent many years travelling between NYC, Denver, southern and northern California and back to southern Indiana before starting all over again. He played at local restaurants and venues over the years while concentrating his energy composing and recording.

A beautiful and kind soul, Andy had a strong yearning to educate himself through voracious reading. He was proud of his Australian heritage (paternal grandfather) and liked doing the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzles in ink. Both his love of and escape from his dark places was composing music.

He is survived by his mother, Suzanne; father, Bruce Paternoster (NJ); step-father, Dan Godeke; brothers, Ed Bradley (Leigh Ann, Jackson and Lauren) (TX) and Jeffrey Johnson (Kayla Nance); step-brother, Grant Godeke (NJ); step-sister, Cori Godeke Eck (FL); maternal uncle and aunt, William and Sandra Stopps (FL); step-uncle, Steve Godeke (NY); a paternal step-uncle, Eric; and step-grandparents, Ray and Doris Godeke. He was preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Andy was a gifted person who, perhaps, didn’t land on earth at the right time. Now the darkness is gone and the light will always be with him.

Friends may visit from 1-5 pm, Sunday, December 28, 2014, at Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh, IN. A gathering to honor a special life will take place at 4:00 PM. Friends are welcome to share their memories of Andy.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Evansville Rescue Mission, 500 E. Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47713 in Andy’s name.

With the holiday season upon us, hug your loved ones because there may not be a tomorrow.