South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath is pleased to announce that Salvatore ”Sal”Paterna has been chosen to receive the John W. McCormack Public Service Award at the South Boston Citizens’ Association’s 137th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, March 17, 2017. “It is an honor for the Association to present this award to Sal for his countless contributions to the betterment of South Boston and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts for well over 40 years.”, McGrath said.
The Honorable Salvatore Paterna, a lifelong resident of South Boston, distinguished himself as the Clerk Magistrate at Dedham District Court. For over 25 years, Clerk Magistrate Paterna has served in this important position in our criminal justice system. Over the years, Mr. Paterna worked hard to ensure everyone with business before his court was treated with respect and dignity. In his capacity as the Clerk Magistrate, Sal Paterna also serves as the Chairman of the District Court Clerk Magistrates and a member of the Advisory Committee to Chief Justice.
Prior to his appointment as Clerk Magistrate, Mr. Paterna also served as a Massachusetts Probation Officer and as an Assistant Chief Probation Officer, supervising probationers and assisting them with reentry services and access to training opportunities and counseling programs. Mr. Patera is a proud graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston, receiving a Bachelor and Master degree.
Mr. Paterna maintains a strong connection to the people of South Boston. He is active in many organizations in the community, including serving as a mentor to many in the LST Handball Club and the LST Racquetball Club, where he won numerous awards in both sports. “Regardless if he is playing competitive sports or working in the courthouse, Mr. Paterna treats everyone with respect and dignity,” said Ed Flynn, U.S. Navy (Ret).
Clerk Magistrate Paterna is recognized throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his professionalism, hard work, and effectively supervising a busy courthouse. He is a recipient of many awards within the criminal justice system, including the Outstanding Service Award from the Norfolk County Prosecutors Association.
Mr. Paterns is a proud parent of three children: Deborah, Michele and Joseph, who is also an outstanding handball player. His wife Janet is deceased.
