Paul J. Paternoster

Paul J. “Sonny” Paternoster of 1088 Alter Street, Hazleton, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Fox Chase Cancer Center after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Hazleton, he was the eldest child of the late Paul A. and Irene Gundy Paternoster. He recently turned 75 years young in December and was preceded in death in January by his wife of 56 years, Lillian “LoLo” Paternoster. He was the owner and President of Case and Keg Beverage, Incorporated, Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his three daughters, Mrs. Melanie Gibale and her husband, Carl, Shavertown, Mrs. Jody Novitsky and her husband, Alan, New Providence, New Jersey; and Paula Paternoster, Hazleton. He also has one grand daughter , Savannah Rea, Hazleton.

“Sonny” as he has been known since childhood, was revered, loved and respected by friends and family alike. He was fiercely devoted to the people he loved and just as his wife, fought endlessly and tirelessly for causes he believed in. He felt very strongly about the rights of animals and had a sincere, continual desire to improve life in the Greater Hazleton and surrounding areas. He not only ran an extremely successful business for generations, he found the time and energy to devote to a plethora of organizations at the local, state and national level.

He was a graduate of Hazleton High School, class of 1953 and served as president of the reunion planning committee for one of the most successful class reunions which was held in 1983. “The Way We Were” was the theme and was attended by an unprecedented amount of classmates. “Peter Pan” as he was nicknamed in high school, was also notorious for his legendary “after party” gatherings and hosted many with his wife at their home much to the delight of classmates and friends.

Paul was a proud, dedicated member of the United States Army and was never afraid to wear his patriotism on his sleeve or defend his country both verbally and through his every day actions. He served 3 years with the United States Army Medical Corps – stationed in Korea and Japan. Through his military experience and beyond, he worked incessantly to satiate his quest for knowledge. His work ethic was outstanding and no matter how daunting a task, he embraced it with joy de vivre and enthusiasm.

In April of 2004, Paul and his entire family were presented with a flag that was flown over the Taliban’s Last Stand building in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This flag which was flown in remembrance of the Americans who died in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 had a very special meaning to him. The phrase “Let us never forget, never waiver, for our cause is just, the cause of freedom” resonated deeply in his heart and soul.

He began his army career at Brooke Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, where he graduated with a Diploma in Medical Technology with credits in Surgery Procedures and Hospital Operation (Permanent and Field Type Facility). His practiced Internship took place at the Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, Washington. He also received credits in Advanced Bookkeeping and the operation of office equipment and Public Relations at the United States Army School of Business in Tokyo, Japan in 1954-1955. Paul also graduated from the United States Naval/City of Philadelphia Fire School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he specialized in chemical and oil-type fires along with additional survival training in 1956.

Prior to receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army in September of 1956, he served in the following areas: United Nations Forces, United States 8th Army 44th and 45th Field Hospitals, 552nd Ambulance Company in Korea, Tokyo Army Hospital, Tokyo, Japan and Madigan and Valley Forge Army Hospitals in the United States. He received the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean Unit Citation Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Commendation from Commanding General of Valley Forge Army Hospital.

He received a diploma in Architectural and Mechanical Design from Lindsay Hopkins Education Center, Miami, Florida in July, 1959. He received a Certificate in Electronics from the Hazleton Area Vocational-Technical School, Hazleton, Pennsylvania in March of 1970.

Paul was also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Institute in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. He attended annual Planning and Zoning Seminars at Penn State University Hazleton Campus and seminars/workshops on Business at satellite locations of the University of Pennsylvania. He completed a course in Community Planning conducted by the Municipal Training Division of the Pennsylvania Planning Commission. Paul always considered himself a lifelong learner and that quest for knowledge extended to his family pets as well. He was an active participant in “Puppy Colleges” and was never too busy to assist financially and physically with fund-raising events for local, state and national animal rights organizations.

Paul enjoyed the study of and participation in politics. Since 1960, he was actively involved in the John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert Humphrey committees for President. He was involved in the Senatorial campaigns for Martin Murray, Harris Wofford, Senator Clark, Dan Flood and Ralph Musto. He assisted with the Paul Kanjorski and Frank Harrison for Congress Campaign Committees. He was active in the Bob Casey campaign for both Auditor and Governor and the Governor Milton Shapp Campaign where he served as the Hazle Township Chairman. Having many attorneys and judges as friends, he was a member of the Ann Lokuta and Joe Yeager for Judge Committees and was currently supporting Lesa Gelb for Judge. He also assisted with the Todd Eachus for Representative Committee, Frank L.Trinisewski for senate Committee, Ellen Mondlak for Register of Wills Committee, Niperkowski for Sheriff Committee where he served as the local chairman and the Rose Tucker for Commissioner Committee. He was also the Democratic Committeeman for Hazle Township for 12 years.

He personally ran for State Representative in 1980 when he lost to the incumbent. With his usual quiet grace, dignity and aplomb after that defeat, he recited one of his favorite mantras to his family – and we are giving you the G-rated version – “Don’t let them get you down, you get right back up.”

In 1986, he served as the General Chairman of the Greater Hazleton Area for the Holtzman for Congress Campaign. He also served as District Campaign Chairman for the Michael Dukakis for President Campaign, assisted with both the Marc Singel for Senator and Governor Campaigns as well. He attended a Briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C. with President Ronald Reagan and found that experience both informative and enlightening. He of course assisted with his wife Lillian’s bid as an Independent Candidate for Luzerne County Register of Wills.

Other government involvement included being a member of the Hazleton Area School Authority for 17 years and was chairman for 13 of those 17 years and during his tenure, due to careful planning and research of viable economic strategies, he was able to save the taxpayers of Hazle Township millions of dollars; was Planning Director for Hazle Township Zoning Commission for 8 years; was Secretary/Treasurer for the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority from 1992 to 2006 and was Secretary/Treasurer for the Luzerne County Rail Corporation from 1994-2006. He was then appointed Chairman of the Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County in February of 2006 to present, Chairman of the Luzerne County Rail Corporation, Chairman of Luzerne County Public Asset Management and Chairman of Creative Developers.

Although his determination regarding community improvement was incessant, it was not all-consuming. Paul loved to have fun and spent many years traveling to Manhattan to conduct business with the investment firm of L.F. Rothschild and then take on the Great White Way to enjoy a multitude of Broadway productions with family and friends. He also enjoyed attending Comedy Clubs and exploring new restaurants in New York City – especially steakhouses. He certainly took his bite out of the Big Apple!

He was an avid hunter and delighted in both the solace and camaraderie that came from hunting excursions with friends and family. He taught his three daughters to respect the power of firearms and embrace what they represent. He never met a Clint Eastwood movie he did not like and when his family tested his mettle, as only daughters and his wife could, he would always be heard saying, “Go ahead. Make my day!”

The community showed the love and respect for Paul by awarding him for his participation in the many organizations he was involved with. He received the following accolades: Certificate of Appreciation from the American Red Cross for his service to Military Families, 1991; United Way Certificate of Appreciation for an Extraordinary Campaign in 1990; certificates of Appreciation from the United Way of Greater Hazleton in 1983, 1986 and 1988; Easter Seal Award for Lillian and Paul, 1980. Also the United Way Gold Award for Case and Keg Beverage, United Way of Hazleton Volunteer Award, 1988; American Cancer Society Award for Service to Paul and Lillian, 1977; Flower Power Awards for Case and Keg Beverage in 1988 and 1989, Flower Power Award with Lillian and Paul as Chairmen, 1980 and United Way of Hazleton Award of Excellence to Case and Keg, 1986. Other awards include certificate of Appreciation for LoLo and Paul from the Greater Hazleton Jaycees, 1982, Community Recognition Award fro Case and Keg Beverage from WQEQ Radio, Chamber of Commerce Award for Case and Keg Beverage, Award of Appreciation for Paul from the All American Girls Softball Team, Certificate of Appreciation from Mountain City Lions in 1987 and Award of Appreciation to Paul and Case and Keg Beverage from Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), 2001. He and his wife also received commendations from The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Senate of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for their diligent work in combating under age drinking.

Fondly referred to by his family as a “quiet ham,” he could be heard performing on various radio shows including his daughter’s show on WQEQ Radio and loved to film television commercials for Case and Keg Beverage or be interviewed from both television news reporters or newspaper reporters – and he was never afraid to be honest or blunt! He was a model for several fashion shows including a fund-raiser for the Soroptomist International of Hazleton.

His love of sports had a wonderful effect on his business where he hosted many events and promotions. Along with his wife LoLo, Paul helped build an extremely successful business from a dying concern. He had a pulse on human wants and needs that was unrivaled. He too had a penchant for gambling and spent many hours in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. His Super Bowl Parties and football pools were legendary and exciting! He thoroughly enjoyed attending Indy Car Races and often felt the “need for speed!”

His greatest pleasure was spending time with family and friends and that includes his four-legged family. Just like his wife, he had a special empathy and deep bond and understanding with animals. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family has requested donations be made to the Humane Society of the United States and The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Along with these organizations, donations to the American Cancer Society and the Hazleton Area Public Library would be most appreciated.

Paul would want to be remembered for his love of life, appreciation of God and country, his infectious laugh and smile and his ability to help people. To quote a friend of his, “He was an honorable, pleasant man who was always concerned about other people.” If he were reading this now, he would say, “Do not be sad. I am with the love of my life, LoLo and my hope is that I leave a fighting spirit, positive impact and beautiful legacy for the world. Be strong, he happy and enjoy life and family.”

The funeral will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday from the Frank J. Bonin Funeral Home Incorporated, 542-544 North Wyoming Street, Hazleton, PA.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends and relatives may call from 6-9 P.M. on Friday. Website info – explanation of Friday night event.