Thomas J. Paternoster, 70, of Sandy Hook, beloved husband of Charlene (Walters) Paternoster, died March 7. He was born in Bridgeport, May 2, 1943, and was a son of the late Virginia (Mazzeo) and Louis  Paternoster.

After graduating from Central High School, Mr Paternoster completed the State of Connecticut course for plumbing and heating. After studying for a year at the Bridgeport Engineering Institute he began his career as a plumbing and heating contractor. Mr Paternoster was the owner of T & C Plumbing & Heating Company in Newtown for 19 years.

After passing the exam for building official, he then worked in the towns of Easton and Middlebury as chief building official until he obtained the same position for the Town of Newtown. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Certificate of Emeritus from the Department of Public Safety and the State Codes and Standards Committee.

In addition to his wife Charlene, two brothers, Lewis Paternoster, and his wife Toni, and Robert Paternoster, and his wife Lynn; two sisters, Marilyn Moretti and Rosemary Gasper; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews survive Mr Paternoster.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 11, at 11 am, at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. There will be no visiting hours. Interment will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice or the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, 1088 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport CT 06605.

Online condolences may be made by visiting spadaccinofuneralhome.com.