Obituary of Paul Catalano, 81

Paul Rosario “Peanut” Catalano, 81, of Bellefonte, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. Born on September 8, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Martha (Lasher) Catalano. He married Elizabeth Hartle on April 2, 1956, who survives in Bellefonte.

He was a 1953 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. He served in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge on October 26, 1962. He was a self-employed welder at the 5th Avenue Welding Shop. He then went to work for Penn DOT for 23 years, where he retired from in January 2000.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children: Dana Catalano (Gina) of State College, James Catalano (Mary Jane) of Zion, Thomas Catalano (Joanne) of Jackson, NJ, Anthony Catalano (Jill) of Howard, Lisa Gardner (Timothy) of Bellefonte, Gary Catalano (Elizabeth) of Pleasant Gap, and Teresa Besecker (Ryan) of Bellefonte; one brother, Charles Catalano, of Pittsburgh and one sister, Theresa DeBord of California. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded by an infant daughter, Barbara, one brother, Basil Catalano, and two sisters, Gaetano Cole and Cecilia Higuera.

He was a life member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte. He enjoyed spending time at camp with family and friends, gardening and making homemade spaghetti sauce with his wife. He liked mowing yards, sitting on the porch talking to his neighbors and helping them with anything that he could.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 6-8pm at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte with a wake service at 7:45pm with Deacon Tom Boldin. Mass will be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 134 E. Bishop Street Bellefonte with Father George Jacopak officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church at 134 E. Bishop Street Bellefonte, PA 16823 or St. John’s Catholic School at 116 E. Bishop Street Bellefonte, PA 16823.