Lucille A. Paterniani

Lucille A. Paterniani, 93, of Ridgefield and Manhattan, died peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Lucille was born at home in Ridgefield, CT on January 16, 1932, the first child of Mary and Primo Paterniani and first granddaughter of Teresa and Nazzareno Gasparini, Italian immigrants. Being the first child and grandchild of immigrants, Lucille, from birth, became a cultural bridge for her family, extended family and other Ridgefield immigrants. She lived this role for her entire life.

Lucille was very intelligent and valued education as did her parents. She graduated as Valedictorian of her RHS class. She read extensively, loved opera, music and the arts as did her parents. This “love” brought her to New York City where she worked and finished college at Cooper Union. Ultimately, Lucille became Assistant Editor of “Selecciones" the Spanish edition of Reader's Digest which was founded by the Wallaces and based in White Plains, NY. 

Miraculously, Lucille was not at her office on the 28th floor of Tower 2 the morning of “911”. She carried a heavy heart for the rest of her life with memories of her coworkers and of the children in daycare she would enjoy every morning before work.   

Lucille was a private person who cared deeply for her parents, became their caretaker as they aged, and made trips to her beloved NYC whenever possible.

Lucille is survived by her two sisters, Teresa Cooper (and her husband, Neil),  Christina Ranck (and her husband, Bruce). In addition, Lucille is survived by nephews and nieces: Paul Cooper, James Cooper (and wife, Rita), Mary Elizabeth Johnson (and husband, Carl), Kathy Ranck, and Sharon Hitzler (and husband, Georg). Mark Cooper, Lucille’s  third nephew, preceded Lucille in meeting God. 

Lucille also leaves behind 14 great- nephews and great-nieces: Paul Primo Johnson, Teresa Rebecca Johnson, Emma Johnson, Teresa Leigh Cooper, Christian Cooper, , Anabelle Cooper, Grace Cooper, Isabella Cooper, Christopher Cooper, Angie Cooper, Alina Hitzler, Breann Hitzler, Ben Hitzler & Felix Hitzler. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church; (55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield). Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery; (110 North Street, Ridgefield). Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

Contributions in Lucille’s memory may be made to The Black Achievement Fund - 1700 Northside Drive NW, Suite A7-730 Atlanta, GA 30318, https://www.baf.solutions/ or the National 4-H Council, https://4-h.org/support/

To view the livestream of the funeral mass, please use the link here, or click the "play video" button below the obituary and service details. Lucille A. Paterniani Funeral Mass Livestream Link

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