Ernest Alfred Paterno Jr.
May 25, 1970 ~ April 16, 2016
Portland, Maine -- Ernest (Ernie) Alfred Paterno, Jr., 45, of Portland, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon (April 16, 2016). Born on May 25, 1970 in Westerly, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Ernest Alfred Paterno, Sr. and Cecile (Raiche) Paterno. Ernie grew up in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and graduated from Stonington High School, Class of 1988. During his high school years, Ernie served as Class President, was a member of the chorus, and was a celebrated musician and began to study and cultivate his talent of art. He was the lead singer and bass player of the bands Toxic Shock, Baked Carrots, Mabels Jellybeans, and Lashes. He attended college at Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts. He was a celebrated glassblower and glassblowing instructor. Prior to settling in Portland, Ernie travelled the country working with other artists and honing his skills in glass. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the country. He was the owner of Cyroni Glass Works in Portland, Maine, where he taught workshops, private lessons, and created his art. He was also the co-owner of Filament Gallery with his wife Jill. Ernie was the beloved husband of Jill Dalton and is survived by his daughter Aela; his mother Cecile Paterno; brothers and sisters John Sutcliffe, Thomas Sutcliffe, (late) Mark Sutcliffe, Lisa Paterno, and Gina (Paterno) Terranova; his mother-in-law Bonnie Allen; sisters-in-law Cori Dalton and Dana Dalton; and numerous family and friends. The family will receive guests for calling hours at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home 172 State Street, Portland, Maine on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 4-7 pm. A memorial celebration of Ernies life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10AM at Mayo Street Arts in Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aela Paternos trust account at Bath Savings Institution, 105 Front Street Bath, 04530. To view Ernies memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. An additional celebration of Ernies life will take place at a future date in Westerly, Rhode Island.
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I am deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers to his family. We shared many great times and he will be greatly missed.
– Tim Bishop
So sad to lose Ernie. Will never forget his smile and ability to spread joy.
– Tom Jones
Oh, friend, I’ve missed you all these years. And I will continue to do so. Sending love to those you’ve left. May Jill and Aela find much light in the work you leave behind.-Christia
– Christia
His loss digs deep. A favorite friend. He generated so much love. All our best
– Drew Masterman
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of Ernie’s passing. I offer my deepest condolences to the family.A bright light has left my life and I will miss it greatly.
– Bob Menard
So very sorry to hear. My condolances to Jill and the family
– Suzanne
To the Paterno Family:No words can express our sympathy and sorrow at this sad time. We think back to the high school days when Ernie would “hang out” with our daughter Kristin and Sara and Gina. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
– Jeannette & Louis Cozzolino
Dear Jill and family, please know that my thoughts, strength and love are with you. So sorry for your deep loss. Krisanne
– Krisanne Baker
Such a beautiful and talented soul Ernie was. A great friend who I truly adored. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I will miss his smile, his positive energy and cherish the great times we had. My deepest condolences to Jill, his daughter Aela, and the Paterno family.
– Thomas Coon
Loved this man and the Toxic Shock days. So sad to hear, blessings to the family.
– Krista (Wilcox) Borsher
My deepest condolences to the Paterno family. Ernie you were a great person, many good memories over the years with you. May you now rest in peace.
– Jerry Vernieri
I can’t quite believe it, am so very sad. Ernie made the world a bigger, brighter place: a big-hearted, free-spirited, of-course-I-can guy. He lit up a room, sparked something positive in everyone around him. We’ll miss him. Thoughts and love to his family.
– Sara (Wylie) Henderson
Ernie was a devout customer of coffee by design on washington ave. He always ordered a mocha and in the summer a medium iced coffee. Confined to the four walls of a coffee shop I got to know earnie over the course of two years and we talked about religious and personal trials and it was a pleasure getting to know him deeper than the mocha guy. I could tell earnie loved his daughter whenever he brought her in and bought her a treat. He glowed whenever around her and turned into a different person. I will never forget ernie and am honored to be a barista of his.
– Ashley Timari
there are no words adequate enough. please feel our love, strength and support through this difficult time and know our thoughts are with the family.
– Carole Ann Fer and Ellen Wieske
Jill, I am so sadden by this news. I send you all of the positive vibes that I can. Please stay strong and realize they are never gone, they will all be with you forever and ever……….
– hope rovelto
My deepest condolences. Sending much love and strength during this very difficult time.
– Chris Klapper
Our hearts go out to you, Jill, your daughter, and both your families. We met Ernie only that one time up in Portland, but we remember him fondly for his graciousness. Our deepest sympathy and love.Tom and Gelia
– Thomas and Gelia Dolcimascolo
Ernie taught me about glassblowing, I took a class a few years ago and still talk about it, he was legendary. My thoughts and condolences to all his loved ones.
– John J. Martin
Oh Jill, I’m just so sorry to hear this sad news. My thought are with you and Aala during this sad time…
– Cat Schwenk
Dearest Jill and all of dear Ernie’s beloved ones… This news comes as a terrible shock. I really cannot believe this has happened. There are no words for the moment, but only Love. I will look for photographs, the few that I may have. Ernie was a sweet, multi-talented, and great man… the world won’t be the same without him. Sending you all our love and hoping to see you as soon as possible. With love, Chehalis (& Arthur)
– Chehalis Hegner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this hard time!
– Greg, Linda and Carley Klein
I was so fortunate to meet Ernie and Jill at an Emma artists collaboration. A true and gentle man with great talent. I will truly miss him although we didn’t have chance to meet up as often as I would have liked.
– Adrian Legge
Ernie & Jill, We were neighbors on Oxford street and shared some random, yet (to me) special memories. I have thought of you both often. My heart is with you now in this time of loss. Peace & blessed be, Jessica
– Jessica Means
I am so sorry and so upset I am a cousin to Ernie his mother and my dad were siblings, though I had not seen Earnie for years I now sit thinking of all the fun times we had as kids. please know you and your daughter are in my wife & my prayers.It is with a heavy heart that I say my Condolence.
– Mark Raiche
I’ll always remember Ernie up here at Haystack, teaching and enjoying just being here. My deepest sympathy, Jill
– Gene Koch
I am so saddened by this news. My heart goes out to you, Jill, and your entire family for this huge loss. I will always remember Ernie’s warm and loving energy.Nancy
– Nancy Nicholson
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. If there is anything at any time you need please do not hesitate to ask. We are here for you and your family in whatever way is most helpful. Sending peace.
– Melissa Hoskins
It is with much sadness I send my condolences. Ernie was a bright light. Love and peace to the family he left behind.
– Wendy Waller
Oh Jill and Aela, I am so very sorry for your terrible loss. I am thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort.
– Anne Ireland
Ernie was such a sparkling person. It unfathomable that he’s gone. Thinking of him years ago waiting tables at the Seaman’s Inn, being so fun and witty with all. Seeing him blossom into an artist seemed so right and natural. I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss, especially his wife and daughter. We will be thinking of you in the days, months and years ahead.
– Heather Pembrook
My deepest condolences to Ernie’s family. The world has lost a warm and generous soul whose light touched many. I will always remember the kindness and friendship he extended to me.
– Jason Mouer
Ernie had such a way about him. Such a positive spirit. Such a giving heart. Such a good friend. Such a loss for all. RIP.
– Mike O’Farrell
Dear Jill and Aela,Your strength in spirit will carry you through the loss of your beloved husband and father. I am deeply sorry. Ernie’s glowing love will always be with you in all you do and create. Thank you for being.
– Renee Bouchard
A person important in the Wylie world, as you know, Ernie was a favorite seemingly irrepressible force; undaunted by the ordinary, he crossed so many daring thresholds…one even in a tree! He has given so many of us wonderful memories, Jill; we will hold him in our hearts and smile. Most certainly his energy will live on. Please let me know if I can be of help to you in the beyond.
– Gin Wylie
dear Cecil and family,So sorry to hear of your tragic loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
– Martha rice
You were always a good friend! Many great memories. My condolences to the family
– mike nolan