North Branford is mourning the loss of Lewis "Lew" Paternoster, a staunch supporter of his community who served in elective offices with the Board of Education (BOE) and most recently as a member of the current North Branford Town Council.

According to his obituary shared by North Haven Funeral Home, Pasternoster, a Northford resident, passed away suddenly on Friday, Nov. 6 at Yale New Haven Hospital.

One day earlier, on Thurs. Nov. 5, a majority vote of the Town Council approved building a new high school facility, a project for which Paternoster had been a vocal proponent. During the special meeting of the Town Council and BOE, council member Rose Marie Angeloni asked and received permission from the rest of the Town Council to make a ceremonious vote for Paternoster, in absentia.

"Unfortunately Lew could not be with us tonight, but we all know how Lew feels about this. And I know it doesn't count, but I think, on behalf of myself and other members of the council, I would like to vote 'yes' for Lew, because that was his wish," said Angeloni.

Paternoster was known for his plain speaking manner as a member of both the BOE and Town Council. The Sound covered Paternoster's closing remarks at the 2014 North Branford High School commencement ceremony, when, as chairman of the BOE, he urged the Class of 2014 to "attack life. "

"So here you are, in cap and gown and all the promise in the world," said Paternoster. "You are about to embark on the greatest run of your lives. You are adults now. The world is literally at your feet. Time is on your side. Youth is on your side. Attack life. Experiment, make mistakes, and start over. Change your mind and then change it back. Find your passion. Find your inspiration. Don't waste a minute."

Paternoster was husband of 37 years to his wife, Betty Jo; and father to Brittany, Nicholas and Hailey. His obituary describes his contributions to his community as a volunteer of programs including the North Branford Potato and Corn Festival, his years coaching youth sports as well as officiating.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Nov. 13 from 4 – 8 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., North Haven.  The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to North Branford Education Foundation/NBHS Building Project, P.O. Box 504, Northford, CT 06472.  A crowdfunding effort to assist the Paternoster family with funeral expenses can be contributed to here