Andrew James Paterno, affectionately known as Andy, 77, of South Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Andy was born on September 5, 1947, in Charleston, WV.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Mafalda Paterno; his brother, Mike; his in-laws, Joe and Evelyn Femia; his brother-in-law, Sam Femia, and many others waiting for him to join them in heaven. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jo Paterno; his Children, Niki Paterno Kurten (Mark), Tony Paterno (Erica); his grandchildren, Sophia, Gia, Dominic and Vincent; his brothers, Louie (Janna) and Joe (Karen); many in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and special cousin, David Houchins (Donna).

Andy was a distinguished professional whose career spanned several decades and numerous leadership roles. He served as the CEO of Centurion Insurance Services, where his visionary leadership was instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success. Prior to this, he held the position of President for the West Virginia Region of Huntington National Bank for over five years, demonstrating his exceptional ability to lead and inspire teams.

Andy’s career also included significant roles, such as Vice Chairman at Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, and Managing Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region, overseeing 35+ locations. His dedication to public service was evident through his tenure as Assistant Director of the WV Civil Service System and his contributions as a staff member in the Governor’s Office of Economic and Community Development.

His achievements were recognized through numerous honors and accolades. Andy was inducted into the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2018 and the University of Charleston Hall of Fame in 2008. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the University of Charleston in 2021, and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Charleston in 2019 and Concord University in 2016. His contributions to the community were further acknowledged when he was named Italian American Man of the Year in 1999 and Son of the Year by the WV Society of Washington, DC, in 2000. He was also listed in Who’s Who in West Virginia Business in 2014.

Andy held a B.A. in Geography and Economics from Concord College and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Charleston. After college, he spent time serving in the United States Army.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andy was deeply involved in his community. He served as Managing Partner of the Charleston Alley Cats and held board memberships with several organizations, including the West Virginia Roundtable, West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia Banker’s Association, Foundation for Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, Girl Scouts Black Diamond Council, Concord University Foundation, and Coal Contractors Insurance Limited Board.

Andy’s legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and community service. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the organizations he served and the people he worked with. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to excellence and his profound impact on the community.

Beyond Andy’s career success and accolades, he was an exceptional human being. Andy never met a stranger, and when he did, he was usually offering them a ride, a room in his home, or some of his wife’s food. Andy was one of the most generous men you would ever meet. He cared deeply about everyone, always wanting to help and do whatever he could to make others’ lives a little easier. He had the innate gift of making everyone feel special, loved, and important.

Andy loved many people in his life, but none more than his wife of fifty-two years, Mary Jo. There was no one he would rather spend time with. Andy loved showing off Mary’s cooking skills and would often invite friends and co-workers over to join them for a meal. They spent fifty-two years loving and taking care of each other. They enjoyed many travels and wonderful times together. Andy never wanted to be away from Mary Jo, and he got his wish.

Family was everything to Andy. After his wife, his other great loves were his two kids, Niki and Tony. He was an amazing father and always proud of his kids. They would often laugh and fight over which one was the “golden child.”  In reality, it was both of them. He loved his children deeply and unconditionally. He gave them the best life imaginable.

Andy also loved his four grandchildren, his brothers, in-laws, and all of his nieces and nephews. Andy loved taking care of his family, his people. He found great joy in doing things for them and making sure everyone always had everything they needed. He loved being around them and cherished his relationships with all of them.

Andy was an epic storyteller and would captivate those around him with the stories of his life. Living a life without regrets is an ambitious goal. Andy not only met it, he exceeded it. Andy loved life. He woke up every morning, happy about the day ahead of him. He took full advantage of his time on earth. He laughed, he cried, he loved, he won, and he lost. Andy ate great food, he drank great wine, he smoked fine cigars, had incredible friends, and a heart bigger than any of us deserved.  Andy left this world better than he found it.

His family and friends will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to share in his wonderful life, to have been gifted with his humor, and to have been on the receiving end of his giant heart.

A visitation will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Charleston on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 6-9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Grade School, to help cover the costs of student needs. Andy loved helping the kids who needed it. We will continue that legacy for him.

Memories of Andy may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.