John P. Paterra – Speers
John P. Paterra, 72, of Speers, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at UPMC Presbyterian. John was born in North Charleroi, on Feb. 27, 1951, son of the late Frank and Virginia Cavanaugh Paterra. He was a 1969 graduate of Charleroi High School and received his bachelor’s degree in economics from California State College. John was retired from Waddell & Reed, where he worked as a financial advisor. By combining his love of people and community service, John believed he could make financial knowledge more accessible to everyone. After retirement, he was still inspired to give and worked as a field agent for Knights of Columbus Insurance. John was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Charleroi. John was also a member of Charleroi Knights of Columbus Council No. 956, a 4th-Degree member of No. 911 Bishop Phelan Charleroi, the Monessen Elks and the former Mon Valley Ancient Order of Hibernians. John was named AOH’s Irishman of the Year in 2001 and Mon Valley Knight of the Year 2021. He had served on the Board of Directors for Frick Financial Credit Union and served on the supervisory committee of Valley First Credit Union. For many years he sang the national anthem for the Pittsburgh Pirates and other professional sports teams and was the primary soloist for the Tuesday Night Big Band. John could croon a tune with his Italian side and kick up a jig or reel with his Irish side. He had no problem breaking out in a tune no matter where he was. John was a great advocate and supporter of Catholic School education. He always had a smile on his face and an eager handshake. John had a good heart and was a good friend to many. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. John is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Musial Paterra, two sons, Kevin (Rebecca) Paterra of Mt. Lebanon and Tim Paterra of Mt. Lebanon (Jessica Wellington of Hermitage); two brothers, Frank Paterra and Tom Paterra; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patty Kolodychak. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes Inc., 235 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. Prayers will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Charleroi. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Carroll Township. The Knights of Columbus will have services in the funeral home at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, with the 4th Degree services to follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials in John’s name be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #956 c/o Thomas Nutting – financial secretary, 705 11th St., Charleroi, PA 15022. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pavlicfuneralhomes.com.
