John P. Paterra

John P. Paterra 72 of Speers, passed away with his loving family by his side on Saturday October 14, 2023 at UPMC Presby. John was born in N. Charleroi on February 27, 1951, a son of the late Frank and Virginia Cavanaugh Paterra. 

He was a 1969 graduate of Charleroi High School and recieved 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 that he could make financial knowledge more accessible to everyone.  After retirement, he was still inspired to give and worked as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance. John was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Charleroi. John was also a member of the Charleroi Knights of Columbus Council #956, a 4^th Degree member of #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, 2 sons; Kevin (Rebecca) Paterra of Mt. Lebanon and Tim Paterra of Mt. Lebanon (Jessica Wellington) of Hermitage, 2 brothers; Frank Paterra and Tom Paterra and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Patty Kolodychak. Visitation will be held on Wednesday October 18, 2023 from 6-8pm and Thursday October 19, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes, Inc. 235 Fallowfield Ave, Charleroi. Prayers will begin at 10:30am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday October 20, 2023 at 11:00am in Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish Charleroi. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery Carroll Twp. 

The Knights of Columbus will have services in the funeral home on Thursday October 19^th at 7:00pm with the 4^th 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 Secretery 705 11^th St., Charleroi, PA 15022