Stephen Anthony Paterna, aged 87, passed away unexpectedly after a prolonged period of poor health on Thursday, June 27th at Beth-Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. He was surrounded by his loving family. Steve resided in Lakeville.

He was born on February 17, 1937, in Boston. Steve was the loving son of his late parents, Philip Paterna and Mary (DeLuca) Paterna. He would often speak fondly of the rich childhood his parents and his North End neighborhood gave him and was equally a proud Italian. To that end, he was a loyal supporter of the Friends of the North End (FONE).

Steve was honored to be a “Triple Eagle”, having earned his B.S. (Cum Laude), an M.Ed. and Ph.D. from Boston College. He so appreciated all the opportunities that Boston College afforded him and continued to be a faithful donor.

His work history was filled with such diversity from being clinical director at the Bristol Acres Residential School for Boys, school psychologist for the Fall River Public Schools, Pupil Personnel Director/Special Education Director at same, clinical director at Taunton-Counseling and Family Services, chief psychologist at both Brockton Family and Community Resources, center director at Arbour Middleboro Counseling Center, and psychologist at Middleboro Counseling Center-Northeast Counseling. Additionally, he was an instructor at Boston College, Stonehill College; UMASS Dartmouth, Anna Maria College, Quincy College, and Bristol Community College. His professional memberships resided in the American Psychological Association and the Massachusetts Psychological Association.

In 2010, he opened a private practice and had a home office. In all avenues, Steve strived to help people become stronger, more centered, less anxious, and more capable individuals. He cared deeply for his clients and became distressed as his illness progressed and he was unable to devote the full time, concentration, and attention they deserved. Steve felt blessed that so many of them elected to stay with him even with the frequent cancelations he had to request.

Steve thoroughly enjoyed his home, driving his golf cart about the yard and adjacent cranberry bog, gardening and taking time to appreciate the scenery. During COVID, he arranged for Meditation Sessions with his two sisters-in-laws [hosted by Dolly] and, to ease the prevailing tension of that time, Steve developed an “Uncle Louie” persona along with jokes and original songs which he sang with gusto.

Hobbies included dashing through crossword puzzles, playing strategy video games and perfecting an NCAA bracket.

Steve was the beloved and loving husband and best friend of wife Dolores A. (Sylvia) Paterna for 34 years. He and “Dolly” shared a passion for Disney World and all things Disney. They were known to take vacations there at least twice a year and became Vacation Club Members in 1998. It was their Happy Place. When not there, they enjoyed rotating their favorite restaurants (yes, they actually talked to each other throughout the entire meal), mall shopping and browsing, and lively evening discussions as to which BritBox shows they would watch.

Steve leaves behind his sister, whom he adored, Shirley Callahan and her husband, Joe of Hull; nieces whom he cherished, Maria Callahan of Hull and Delphine Callahan of Scituate and husband Mike Lindsay; beloved sisters-in laws Eileen Sylvia of East Freetown and Elaine Sylvia of Florida along with her husband, Michael Wanat. He also was predeceased by his best man and best buddy, James Freni of Medford, and Andrew James Mazzarella-Faria of Dartmouth, to whom he served as a parental figure. Steve is survived by his treasured colleague and loyal friend, Dr. Donald Steele of Mansfield, and Frank A. Jorge of New Bedford, as well as numerous cousins.

The Lakeville Fire Department and EMT service is to be recognized for all their kindness, professionalism, and care throughout the numerous “911” calls that needed to be made. They treated him as if he were “family.”

Funeral arrangements are through Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home, 280 Bedford Street, Lakeville. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5th, from 4-7 PM. Funeral Mass to be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 372 Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton on Saturday, July 6th, at 10:00 AM. All are invited. Stephen will be laid to rest with private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA.

Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home
280 Bedford Street
Lakeville, MA 02347
508-946-9655
www.D-MFH.com