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Joseph Catania - Class of 1945
Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 06/Oct/2025
71.223.152.83
Joseph Armistice Catania Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday,
October 5, 2025 at the age of 97. Joe was deeply loved, cherished and admired
by all who knew him.
Joseph was born in Newburgh, New York on November
11, 1927. He was the son of Joseph and Maria Catania (LaRocca). He lived a
life marked by kindness, selflessness, humility and total love of and
devotion to family. For almost 78 years, he shared an extraordinary marriage
with his beloved wife, Dorothy Terenzi; a partnership that stood as a
wonderful example of love and commitment.
Joseph is survived by his
loving wife Dorothy, his children Joseph A. Catania Jr.(Pamela), Caren
Heeney, Beverly Rayfield (David), his grandchildren: Jessica Bender (JC)
Lauren Felker (Dave) Jaclyn Heeney, Joseph Catania III (Naomi), Michael
Catania (Amy), Ryan Rayfield (Angie), Rachael Schwait (Craig), and his great
grandchildren: Alexandra, Reilly, Julia, Brady, Christopher, Joseph IIII,
Gianna, Justin, Catharine, Michael, Maria, Benedetto, Simone, Amelia, and
Camilla.
His children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren were the
absolute joy of his life. Joseph never missed an opportunity to remind them
how proud he was of them with encouragement, hugs and kisses. In 1950,
Joe and his brother Ray founded Catania Brother's Sausage and Meatballs,
Inc., a successful business that became a household name throughout the New
York Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey. He took pride in making
homemade pasta and biscotti for Sunday dinners with the family. Joe and
Dottie belonged to the Newburgh Yacht Club enjoying many days cruising up and
down the Hudson River. He also served as president of the Lions Club of
Newburgh NY where he worked to support and improve the community. Joseph was
a proud board member of The Cabrini Home, a nonprofit, serving youth with
emotional and family difficulties. He was a longtime member of the Powelton
Club in Newburgh, serving on the board: forging many lasting friendships
while enjoying cards and golf. Joe will be remembered for his big smile and
enormous heart - Superman to all !! He had a tremendous gift for making
everyone feel welcomed, valued and respected. He carried himself with
dignity, wisdom, and a gentle humor that brightened every room he entered. To
his family and friends, he was more than a husband, father and patriarch; he
was their unwavering support and guidance as well as an example of how to
live with grace and love.
Joe treasured each day, his family and home. He
often remarked how he considered himself blessed beyond measure and of his
concern for others who were less fortunate. So, please, instead of flowers,
make a donation in his memory to Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Though we mourn his passing, we take comfort in the remarkable legacy Joe
leaves behind. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and the
many lives he touched. A service will be held to honor his life and
celebration of his memory.
Rest in peace Joseph, you
will forever be in our hearts. We promise we will always take to heart your
repeated admonition: "always be good".
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9th from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Brooks Funeral Home located at 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550.
A Mass of the Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church at 10:00am on Friday, October 10th located at 301 Ann St, Newburgh, NY 12550
An entombment will follow at the Cedar Hill Mausoleum located at 5468 Rte 9W, Newburgh, NY 125
- November 11, 1927 ~ October 5, 2025
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