Joseph Catalano, 86, of Wooster, OH passed away October 8, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born April 21, 1938, the son of Raymond and Alice (Casey) Catalano of Columbus, OH and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1956. He married Laura Liford on Sept. 1, 1962.
Joe graduated from Xavier University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Joe began his successful career in logistics as Traffic Manager for Shilito’s Department Stores in Cincinnati, Ohio as he attended night school at Xavier University and served in the Ohio National Guard. This led him and his rapidly growing family to Browning Manufacturing in Maysville, KY, and then ultimately to Wooster, Ohio where he was the Global Manager of Logistics and Transportation for Rubbermaid Incorporated for 25 years. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors National Industrial Transportation League.
Joe had a strong sense of community and gave his time and energy generously to helping others for many years both before and after retirement. He helped found People to People Ministries, served for many years in various roles on St. Mary’s Church Council, and as a volunteer for the Gabriel Project in Wooster. Joe loved playing tennis and was an avid reader of history, physics, and fiction.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughters, Julie (Earl) Doyle of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; Christie (Ed) Dillon of Longmont, Colorado; Sheila (Marc) Benevento of Worthington, Ohio; sons, Ray of Bexley, Ohio; and Steve of Seaside, California. Grandchildren are Madeleine, Joe, Ian, Connor, and Eric; and his siblings Sr. Barbara Catalano; Mary Waterfield, and Delores (Rick) Tammer.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00a with a funeral mass following at 12:00p noon at St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception, 527 Beall Ave, Wooster where he and Laura were 50 year parishioners.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Donations can be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare at 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Sincere condolences, love and prayers to Laura and family.
Eddie and Ed Booth
So very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
A great husband and father to a remarkable family. We will miss you, Joe!
I am so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He was such a kind and caring man. I worked with him on a few occasions when I was director of People To People Ministries. He was so willing to help others in the community. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family
Laura and family, Joe was a good guy to work for. My prayers are for everyone that God may grant you peace and comfort at this very difficult time.
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of our wonderful cousin and family member who was so highly loved and respected by the entire Howard family. He will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers to Laura and the entire family.
My sincere sympathy on your loss. Truly a great man to have such wonderful loving children and wife. My prayers are with you all. Love to my friends Shelia and Marc
The family and the world have lost a good man.
Dearest Laura and children, my heart breaks for all of you, Joe was a wonderful man! We were neighbors for 30 years and I couldn’t have asked for
a more wonderful family to live beside. My heart breaks for all of you, I want to give you each a big hug and my deepest condolences, but I can’t be there Saturday. Steve and I have come down with covid. I love you all and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you!
The Corbett’s extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of a genuinely good man. Joe was a great neighbor with a wonderfully even temperament. He supplied good fatherly advice when it was needed; especially through the teenage years and antics of my friends and I. Although he left us with a great legacy of five humble and well-adjusted children, he will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to you, Laura and your family. I have fond memories of Joe.
So sorry for your loss, Laura. My mother, Elaine, was very fond of both of you.
Sad to see Joe has passed. We have many memories of our families in Wooster. I especially remember you having your kids wait for Tommy while they walked to St. Mary’s School.
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts.
so sorry for your loss laura, joe was a great guy