Anthony Lucian “Mush” Paternostro, age 74 of Carriere, Mississippi passed away Monday, October 14, 2019 at his country residence with family by his side.

Tony was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, born on January 20, 1945 and a resident of Carriere, Mississippi for the past twenty years with his beautiful wife Sharon. He was of the catholic faith and attended St. Charles Borromeo Church.  In his youth, he attended St. Matthias Grade School and Warren Easton High School, graduating in 1962.  After school he served honorably in the US Army, then built a successful career in the grocery business as a partner in Paternostro Bros.

Over the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and summers in North Carolina.  He coached track and field many championship seasons at Lakeshore Playground and the AAU team Mardi Gras Pacers.  He also founded the Girls Catholic High School Athletic Association.  He was proud of his Italian heritage, serving as a charter member of the Italian American Marching Club.  And marched with the Jefferson Royals in many parades.

In retirement, Tony was an active member of the Rotary Club of Picayune, where he served for many years as Membership Chairman and hosted the annual fishing rodeo for special needs children at his country home.  He worked very hard to grow the club to fifty members, reaching that milestone in October of this year.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon Basile Paternostro; his son, Dino Dominic Paternostro (Kimberle); and daughter, Gina Paternostro Amato (Mark); one brother, Joseph S. Paternostro (Pat); sister-in-law, Mary Ann Paternostro; five grandchildren, Meagan (Jonathan), Whitney, Hailey, Mia, Lucian; and one great-grandchild, Julien.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Joseph Paternostro and Antoinette Cuccia Paternostro; and one brother, Angelo A. Paternostro.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 21, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Picayune Funeral Home, 815 South Haugh Avenue, Picayune, MS 39466. A funeral mass will be held the following day Tuesday October 22, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457. Burial will follow onsite under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rotary Club of Picayune, P.O. Box 1152, Picayune, Mississippi 39466.