George L. Catalano Sr. 80, passed away Thursday, December 30th, 2021 after a difficult battle with cancer.
George was born in Dunkirk, New York on June 29, 1941, to Joseph and Carmella “Nellie” Catalano.
He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, American Institute of Banking, The Bankers School of Agriculture, and Cornell University. On May 13, 1962 he married Maureen E. Karin. They were married for 52 years before her passing in July 2014.
George retired from M&T Bank in 1995 after a successful career as regional manager for Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Silver Creek as well as Vice President. George joined Evans National Bank as Vice President of the Hamburg office in 1995 and was promptly promoted to branch administrator, bank security, and a member of the bank’s operating committee. After a 45year career in banking, he retired in 2004.
George was a member of the Silver Creek Board of Education and the Lake Shore Hospital board as treasurer. George served two terms as president of the Silver Creek Chamber of Commerce and was treasurer of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club for 50 years, earning the esteemed Melvin Jones award. George was also a member of the Evans-Brant Chamber of Commerce and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. George was a member of the Evans National and St Columban’s Retirement Home Advisory Boards. He was a founding member of the Silver Creek Festival of Grapes.
Along with serving on various committees in an administrative capacity, he was also active in the Knights of Columbus, Silver Creek Volunteer Fireman’s Association, Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Dunkirk Jaycees, Silver Creek Kiwanis, Catholic Charities, Dunkirk & Silver Creek Little League Baseball, Dunkirk Rotary Club, IDA Seneca Nation of Indians, Chautauqua County Rehabilitation Facilities Corporation.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast, George devoted countless hours and resources on various projects such as funding and installation of lights and press box on the Silver Creek High School football field as well as a grass infield on the Barresi Little League baseball field.
George is survived by three of his children, Patricia (Loren) Smith, Jennifer (Michael) Serio, and Lawrence (Christine) Catalano; devoted Son in Law Paul Bardo, eight grandchildren: Jordyn Bardo, Bradley Bardo, Brendan Bardo, Cameron Smith, Savannah Catalano, Rocco Catalano, Heather (Michael) Barone, and Nathan Serio; and his siblings, Mary Ann (Catalano) Corsoro and Louis (Phyllis) Catalano; Brother & Sister In Law Norman & Charlotte Karin. Also survived by his life-long classmates Reg Corsi & Jack Jackino and also his close neighborhood & Silver Creek friends.
George is preceded in death by his wife, Maureen (Karin) Catalano, infant son, Patrick Catalano and daughter, Karin (Catalano) Bardo. As well as In-laws: Norman Sr & Florence Karin, Samuel Corsoro, and Susan and Michael Matesevac.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan 9, from 12 noon-3 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Masks are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Silver Creek. Entombment will be in the Pieta Mausoleum of St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dunkirk.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to: Tidewell Foundation – Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, Florida 34238. www.tidewellhospice.org
7 Comments
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Catalano family.
We were already in Florida when we heard the news. May God Bless You all with comfort and peace.
Sincerely, Larry & Cindy Eidens
Thank you so much.
Trish, Jen, & Larry: so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. 2021 has been a very sad year for our little corner of Pleasantview. Whenever I came home for a visit and saw your folks, they were always welcoming and your dad always had a smile to share. You all were great neighbors! Kathy and I pray for your family during this sad time and know you all will relish the fond memories you had with your dad.
Kevin and Kathy, Thank you for your kind words. You are so right… 2021 has been a sad year for our corner. I am thankful to have grown up there. The memories are wonderful,and I cherish every person in that neighborhood.. Take care, and I hope to see you next time you visit your dad. Trish
My deepest condolences to the Catalano family. I had the pleasure of working with George at Evans Bank and will always remember his kindness, friendliness and extremely engaging personality. He was warm, welcoming and very, very funny. He loved his family very much. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss and hope memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Trish, Jennifer and Larry you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget the good times we had in our little neighborhood watching you all grow up. The annual 4th of July celebration and the lighting of the Christmas lanterns are some our best memories. We could have not asked for better neighbors. Your dad will be missed by all of us.
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