Louis M. Paterno, age 91, of Panther Valley, Allamuchy Township, died peacefully on Wednesday December 6, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. Lou was born January 6, 1932 to the late Carmine and Immaculata (Fontana) Paterno. In addition to his parents, Lou is preceded in death by his two brothers, Nunzio and Orlando Paterno and two sisters, Rose Bencivenni and Nancy Paterno.

Lou was educated in New York City at Columbia University where he attained a B.A. in Liberal Arts. He then proudly served in the U.S. Army as a communications correspondent. After his stint in the Army, Lou enjoyed a successful career as a senior marketing executive for Ivers-Lee, a division of Becton-Dickinson Pharmaceuticals. Among many things, he was an avid golfer, an insightful writer, and a passionate gardener. Lou was known as a crossword enthusiast for his extraordinary talent in solving puzzles. He was a published author chronicling significant events in his life in a book he described as “A Labor of Love” – dedicated to his wife, Ellie, who meant the world to him and his family, whom he described as the stars in his universe.

Lou was a self described pseudo-intellect, suspected sentimentalist, but above all a bonafide romantic.

Lou is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Ellen Paterno, his beloved children, son James Paterno and companion Heather McDanel, daughter Dr. Jeanette Paterno and husband Chris Westfall, and four adored grandsons, Matthew and Christopher Paterno and Harrison and Jonathan Westfall, as well as many nieces and nephews.

All services were private and under direction of the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, New Jersey, 07840. Online condolences may be left at www.cochranfuneralhome.com,

Donations to his name may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice and or the American Heart Association.