Joseph
Carl
Paternoster
Joseph Carl Paternoster, 80, Gardner, Kansas passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 at Olathe Hospice House, Olathe, Kansas. Visitation 10:00 am – 11:30 am Friday, June 9, 2023 at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, Kansas (913) 856-7111. Graveside service with full Military Honors will follow at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association or Shawnee Kiwanis Club. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com.
Joseph was born September 12, 1942 in Trenton, New Jersey to John Baptist and Mary Joan (Stocz) Paternoster. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Trenton High School in 1960. Joe received a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Alabama and two master’s degrees from Webster University, Kansas City, Missouri. Joseph married Doris “June” Baker on January 21, 1967 in Haleyville, Alabama. After graduating from Alabama, he joined the United States Navy and traveled the world. Joe served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years and retired a Commander. He brought his family to Kansas when he was stationed at Olathe Naval Air Station in 1980. He also served as the Commanding Officer at the Kansas City Reserve Center. After military retirement in 1989, Joe opened a research business working with June and became an active member of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. Joe was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing, riding his bicycle, working on his property and teasing his grandchildren.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his son, David Joseph, and his son-in-law, Brian Chambers. He is survived by his wife, June; children: Maura P. Chambers and Carla P. (Frank III) Mermis; grandchildren: Frank Mermis IV, Brooke Mermis and Anna Mermis; siblings: Katherine Paternoster, John (Barbara) Paternoster and Renée Paternoster.