Anthony Catalanotto

Anthony Catalanotto Jr., 84, died June 19, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by the love of his life, Virginia Catalanotto, his wife of sixty-two years. Also surviving are his five children, Anthony III (Kathleen) of Santa Fe; Peter (Sarah) of Brooklyn, NY; Paul (Madeline) of Brooklyn, NY, Louisean (Daniel) of Pittstown, NJ; Nancy (David) of Rio Rancho and eleven grandchildren, Michelle and Mariko; Chelsea; Nina and Jake; Joshua and Jessica; Angelina, Victor, David Jr. and Michael.

He is also survived by his brother Frank (Grace) Catalanotto of Rio Rancho.

Anthony Catalanotto Jr. was born March 1, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest of four children of Anthony and Christina Catalanotto. He graduated from The New York School of Printing and after moving his family to East Northport, NY, worked at Cathedral Arts print shop. Anthony was adept with his hands, whether gardening or building everything from hampers to campers. In 1994, he and Virginia moved to Rio Rancho where they became active members of the Meadowlark Senior Center. For twenty years, Anthony was a volunteer driver for the center and arranged the monthly dinner clubs at various restaurants. He also started the ping-pong league in which he was an avid and tenacious player, winning open tournaments as recently as 2017.

Most of all, Anthony was a devoted husband and father, who often worked two jobs to provide for his family, his greatest pride. He was a champion of the underdog and like his idol, Rocky Marciano, believed there wasn’t anything an unyielding work ethic couldn’t accomplish. In his final years, Anthony’s courage and integrity were an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Anthony’s life will be held on Saturday, July 21 at 10 am at the Daniels Family Funeral Services/Sara Road Chapel located at 4310 Sara Road in Rio Rancho, (505) 892-9920. Donations can be made in memory of Anthony Catalanotto Jr. to The American Cancer Society. His family is especially grateful to the entire staff and volunteers of the Ted and Margaret Jorgensen Cancer Center at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho for their kindness and care.